STAR readers who fancy exploring the town's past can enjoy special archaeology weekends where they can learn more about a historic corner of the town and improve the environment.

The community weekends are part of a series of investigations, helping to shape the development of the heritage features in the Stanley Bank area of Blackbrook, with the dig focusing on Copperhouse Row, formerly a strip of 18th century workers' cottages.

The houses, which are now demolished, were built by Thomas Pattern to accommodate workers at the Stanley Copper Works in 1772 and are located in an area of rich industrial heritage.

Integral to the scheme is the Blackbrook bypass, with work due to begin in January 2005, because the new road has been designed to unlock areas of land to provide additional wildlife habitats and bring improvements to the area fro local residents.

The digs have been organised by St Helens Council in conjunction with Liverpool Archaeological Field Unit, St Helens Historical Society and the Merseyside Industrial Heritage Society, and are funded by The Community Learning Chest and the Mersey Basin Campaign.

The first of the digs took place on October 2 and 3 but more are planned for October 9 and 10, and 30 and 31.

Visitors are welcome to watch the dig in progress and details of the exact location are available at the Sankey Valley Visitor Centre, where there is a small exhibition about the history of the area.

Anyone interested in taking part in the dig should telephone Rick Rogers, Countryside Development Officer, on 01744 456191 as there are limited places available.