PEOPLE interested in discovering more about the history of their town and their ancestors are being encouraged to join the Darwen Archaeology Society.

The society, which is approaching its third anniversary, meets twice a month at Lower Chapel Church.

But society member Angela Chadwick is hoping new people will get involved in 2006 to make it even more successful.

The group holds regular educational talks and takes part in local excavations.

During the summer of 2005, members were joined by local residents and schoolchildren in a bid to uncover part of the Roman road through Darwen.

They were given permission to seal off a section of field near Brocklehead Farm and during the dig managed to uncover a a number of small sections of the old road.

Angela said: "We will meet again next Monday at Lower Chapel Church and anyone who wants to find out more should come along and meet us.

"We are hoping to get more people involved.

"Anyone who enjoys watching 'Time Team', is interested in the history of their local area or has always wanted to take part in a local dig would enjoy it.

"It is very interesting and we do hope to carry out more excavations in the near future."

The next meeting will take place on Monday, January 23, from 7 to 9pm and the guest speaker will be Bill Shannon.