This week a popular historical site in West Cumbria will be attempting to unearth some of its rich history.

Muncaster Castle is beginning an excavation of a potential Roman fort on the Pele tower section of the building.

The dig is being organised by a team of specialist archaeologists who will attempt to discover more about the sites historic value.

Peter Frost-Pennington, Manager of Muncaster Castle, said: "It's an ancient place with a vast history, the castle has been here for 800 years.

"Prior to that the land was inhabited by Roman and Viking civilisations."

Staff at the castle have been working with archaeologists and English Heritage who send a small team to the grounds around once a year.

Lots of volunteers will also be coming to help out and this week they will be digging out a trench to see what they can find.

The trench will investigate a possible site of an original hall range around the tower whilst the other trench will examine a potential Roman Fort.

As of yet the team are unsure of what they'll be able to find.

However they believe that they might find walls, pottery and other examples of human presence.

Mr Frost-Pennington explained that even if nothing is found it will still be a valuable insight into their ongoing historical investigation.

He said: "We're tying to find out how man has interacted with this wonderful area over the years.

"There may also be discovery of Georgian and Victorian artifacts.

"It's no doubt a very ancient place with people living in and around it for many years.

"We're not expecting any major discoveries but anything we do find is a bonus."

Cumbria is a place that has a wealth of archaeological interest so this excavation will hopefully bring more tourists to the area.

Mr Frost-Pennington added: "We're excited we always love it when experts come along and we want this dig to be done properly and sensitively.

"Hopefully this will improve our interpretation of Muncaster's history.

It's like a big jigsaw where we can put the pieces together and look back through the centuries.

"It's a very special place and I love sharing it with people."