A TIME-team inspired project will help a county village to discover its medieval roots.

Ewyas Harold History and Archaeology Group (EHHAG) has received a £9,900 Sharing Heritage grant grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund for its "Big Dig Ewyas" project.

It will see Hereford firm Headland Archaeology lead a team in a series of test pits across the village and neighbouring Dulas throughout August.

The investigation will target residents’ gardens and common spaces in search of the earliest origins of the village and, with the support of professionals, local people will be putting their new archaeological skills to the test as they investigate the communities that once lived in and around the medieval castle and priory.

Amanda Huntley, from Ewyas Harold, said: "We know our village has had an exciting history – just look at the remains of our amazing castle – so we hope that this dig will tell us a little more perhaps about the domestic, rather than the administrative life of the village. And all discovered by the current residents.”

Local archaeologist, Sam Thomas, said the team has eight days over the summer to investigate the origins and history of the village.

But to do so, the team needs as many one-metre by one-metre test pits across the village and its surrounding area.

Anyone living in Ewyas Harold – or nearby – can offer up part of their garden for a test pit.

Headland will then register the site and add it to the map. Anyone living a distance from the site can get involved by helping to dig with those who are not able to manage to do so on their own.

People can let the team know their availability in August so they can be programmed into the project.

Reyahn King, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands, added: “Sharing Heritage is a wonderful opportunity for communities to delve into their local heritage and we’re delighted to offer this grant so Big Dig Ewyas can embark on a real journey of discovery – for some literally in their own backyard.”

To register for the project email sam.thomas@headlandarchaeology.com or call 01432 364902.

Then turn up at 7pm on Wednesday August 6 2014 at the Temple Bar Inn where there will be a project launch and a chance to find out more. People can also register on the evening.