HISTORY lovers can get a sneak peak at a new trail showcasing Radcliffe's heritage this month.

With work to a project around Radcliffe Tower, the Tithe Barn, and St Mary’s Church nearing completion, volunteers have arranged a special preview of the new heritage trail on April 23 before its grand opening once repairs at the flood-hit church are completed later this year .

A number of archaeological digs have been held at the site since 2012 in a bid to unearth the town's medieval history, and a new Friends of Radcliffe Manor group has been set up to promote the area.

Carol Kemp, the group's chairman, said: "Radcliffe has seen many of it's assets disappear; much of it's industry has gone and the town no longer has it's own fire, ambulance or police stations. Buildings of historical note have been demolished or converted into accommodation, including the town hall.

"But Radcliffe still has assets and I, like many others, care enough to want to promote them.

"Having researched my family history for many years, and being a fan of Time Team, I never dreamed of actually joining a dig until I heard in 2012 Dig Greater Manchester would involve my home town.

"They would excavate in the Close Park area where several generations of my family had grown up, so this would combine my love of history with my thirst for knowledge of my roots. I was encouraged by the Salford University Archaeology Team to work alongside them on many facets of study and I continue to do so today."

She added: "The first phase of excavation in 2012 focussed on revealing foundations at two sites; Church Row (later known as Church St East) a row of workers cottages near St Mary's Churchyard gate and Close House, the last home of the Bealey family in Close Park.

"The second phase was in 2013, when Bury Council was successful in their bid for an HLF grant to develop a project that has now connected the historic core of Radcliffe - Church, Tower, Tithe Barn and Close Park.

"The major aim of excavation was to uncover the Manor Hall's footprint attached to the Tower, which revealed a tantalising “Medieval Corner” with fallen 13th century roof tiles.

"In 2014, my personal research led me to rediscover a fragment of the Medieval Village Cross which is now on display in Radcliffe Library.

"A smaller third phase dig then did find evidence of the medieval hall. This included a passageway, doorway and possible floor but also more medieval pottery.

"The final phase saw Dig Greater Manchester returning in 2015 with a “Big Dig” event which uncovered more of the hall's footprint, the surrounding farm buildings and houses on the site."

There will be a workers-only preview at 11am followed by the full public event at 1pm on Saturday, April 23. Both will meet at the community hut in Close Park for a guided walk.

See the Friends of Radcliffe Manor Facebook page for further details.