A CALL has gone out to people in historic York and North Yorkshire to take part in Britain's biggest mass archaeological excavation.

The project is being run by Channel 4's Time Team, for viewers to discover what lies beneath their feet.

During the Time Team Big Dig over the weekend of June 28 and 29 they will be invited to use tried and tested archaeological techniques to discover and record exciting finds in their own back gardens. A series of eight television programmes presented by Tony Robinson will be broadcast around the weekend, during which Tony, archaeologist Mick Aston and other Time Team members will report from some of the back gardens and other sites as they are excavated.

But before people start digging, keen amateur archaeologists should register and receive a special information pack to ensure they follow accepted archaeological conventions. The pack also contains health and safety advice.

Mick said: "Time Team Big Dig is a great opportunity for members of the public to get involved in some real archaeology, to use appropriate methods, to learn something significant about their own area and to contribute to archaeological knowledge."

The project has the support of leading archaeological organisations, and will create a nationwide database of finds for future archaeologists. Experts will be on hand to identify items and roving camera crews will be criss-crossing the country.

People will be able to keep informed of the latest finds around the country via the website www.channel4.com/bigdig and to receive text updates straight to their mobile phone on the Big Dig SMS service.

To take part in the Big Dig either register on-line at www.channel4.com/bigdig, phone 09065 999 344, or text DIG to 88188. Phone and text registrations cost £3 for post, print and packing. You must be 18 or over to register. Registered applicants will receive detailed action packs containing guidance notes.

Updated: 09:23 Thursday, April 10, 2003