VOLUNTEERS working to promote Radcliffe's medieval history say visitors to a new heritage trail have been left "dumbfounded".

A special preview of the Radcliffe Manor trail, which will be fully open later this year, was held on Saturday to show guests the progress made at the site since archaeological digs started there in 2012.

Carol Kemp, chairman of the new Friends of Radcliffe Manor group, said: "It was a wonderful day. It went very well and I would estimate that we had 50 or 60 people there.

"And even though the Tower was shut the next day, I could still see people going around the area for a look.

"People were really dumbfounded at how much history there is in that one small space. There is so much concentrated within that small area of Radcliffe.

"We have had a really positive response and we will now be working out what we can do better and when the best time will be to fully open."

The day also saw the unveiling of a plaque in memory of Brian Grimsditch on the bench overlooking the tower.

Mr Grimsditch, who died last year at the age of 61, was a senior archaeologist at Salford University and had played a major role in the excavation work around the tower.

Mrs Kemp added: "Brian was a well-loved person and he really inspired me and many others to become interested in archaeology.

"A lot of the information we have about the area's history came from us doing the historical research.

"We would always say he was king of the tower and we have nicknamed that bench his throne. It's a very special thing.

"At his last dig he was quite ill and he would sit in that bench and watch over us, and it was quite a poignant moment for us to unveil that plaque there in his memory.

"It was lovely to have his family there and to have Norman Tyson, from Bury Archaeological Group, cut the ribbon."