They will be digging deep on Dorchester's allotments — but not for vegetables.

With the aid of a £32,300 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the diggers will be after archaeological evidence from the Roman era.

Local people will be working with professionals and local schoolchildren will learn about archaeological techniques through an education officer.

The Discovering Dorchester community archaeology project is backed by Dorchester Abbey Museum, Oxford University and Oxford Archaeology.

The grant will be used to investigate, interpret and publish the findings and part will be used to upgrade the display area in the museum.