ARCHAE0LOGIST Jeremy Milln is unearthing the past at a National Trust garden.

Jeremy is the trust's regional archaeologist, and he will be leading a team of volunteers in a special dig this Sunday, April 22.

It takes place at Biddulph Grange Garden, and visitors will be able to watch the team in action as they start work on the project.

"We know the Arboretum Pool existed in the 1850s and 1860s, and it is featured in an article in the Gardener's Chronicle in 1862," said property manager Paul Baker.

"The aim of this dig is to determine the exact position and dimensions of the pool, with plans in the long term to reinstate it."

A Time Detectives Day is being held on Sunday to coincide with the launch of the dig.

Visitors of all ages can join a range of activities in the arboretum, where the dig will be taking place.

"The Time Detectives Day will give our visitors the opportunity to find out more about the archaeological processes in a fun and interesting way," added Paul.

There will be the chance to meet environmental archaeologist Wendy Carruthers, who specialises in plant remains, and will be taking samples for analysis to find out more about what grew in the garden in the 1850s.

Visitors to the garden will also be able to have their own archaeological finds identified by Caroline Johnson from the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

Children can have a go at an archaeological dig pit game, and start their own time capsule to take home.