Members of the public are being invited to community archaelogical digs at the Maison Dieu.

A briefing for volunteer to join the team, called The History Diggers, is tomorrow (Wednesday).

This is as Dover Town Hall goes through a £9.1 million refurbishment this year.

The digs are led by the Canterbury Archaeological Trust and the first is from Thursday, April 7, until April 11.

That will concentrate on an area around a blocked up medieval doorway just outside the historic Stone Hall.

It is hoped the excavations will uncover evidence of the past uses of the building as a medieval pilgrim hospital, Royal Navy victualling yard and Victorian Town Hall and prison.

A small test pit has already produced finds, including fragments of medieval window tracery, butchered animal bone and a piece of decorated late medieval or Tudor floor tile.

The other digs are between July 25 and 29 and September 8 to 12.

One is on on a patch of grass next to Biggin Hall and the other is beneath a municipal flowerbed on the other side of the River Dour.

Both locations were part of the wider Maison Dieu site until the early 19th century.

Participants will be offered a roles from excavating and washing finds, to engaging with visitors or running a mini-dig for families.

Volunteers should be aged 18 or more and are expected to give at least three days' work. Full training will be given.

To join the team contact Martin Crowther (Maison Dieu engagement officer) at martin.crowther@dover.gov.uk

Each dig will be open to the public.