A call for volunteers has been issued to help with an archaeological dig at Newtown Mound next month.

Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT) will carry out the three-week dig on the north-western side of Park Street, beside the council offices, from Monday, February 7.

Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council, which has helped fund the project, said it is "excited" that the dig will be going ahead after being held up by the coronavirus pandemic.

Lead Councillor Richard Edwards said: “It's so important that we understand the history of the place we live in, and this dig will discover more about an area of town that little is known about.

"There is an opportunity for the community to be involved as well. I’m hopefully going to be there myself getting my hands dirty”.

What do we know about the mound?

Little is known about the mound, although it is thought to be medieval in date and associated with the foundation of the town, perhaps the 13th Century.

Unlike other medieval earthwork castles along the Welsh Marches, this is both larger and 'D' shaped.

With evidence to suggest the mound was refortified during the Civil War, the summit may subsequently have been occupied by a building.

During the 18th Century the mound was incorporated into the gardens and parkland surrounding Newtown’s Town Hall and a Summerhouse was in situ during the 19th Century.

CPAT is inviting volunteers to take part in the dig across on weekdays during the three weeks which will include excavation and fieldwork tasks. People who are interested to volunteer will need to complete an online form.

There will be an online site briefing on Zoom at 7pm on Tuesday, February 1, however a recording will later be uploaded on YouTube. The link to this session will be emailed to all participants in late January.