THE secrets of the past of a Cotswold farm will be unearthed during an archaeological dig.

The dig will take place at Greystones Farm in Bourton-on-the-Water, a site where people have lived and farmed for more than 6,000 years and is thought to be one of the first towns in Europe.

Researchers from Durham University are spending this week at Greystones Farm looking for vital information about how ancestors lived.

The dig will continue until Friday.

Greystones Farm was taken over by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust charity in 2001 and is being developed into an educational centre.

During renovation work at the site, archaeologists discovered five skeletons, dating back to the Middle Iron Age meaning they are between 2,000 and 2,500 years old. They are now held at Corinium Museum.

The dig will be led by Dr Gemma Tully, community archaeologist, and Dr Tom Moore, specialist in Iron Age societies in the Cotswolds, both from Durham University.

Dr Tully said: "Greystones Farm is a fascinating historical site which has been in continuous use for thousands of years.

"Today it stands out because it is being managed in a sensitive, sustainable and dynamic way by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

“Previous excavations have shown the site was an important settlement in the Iron Age. Our project aims to engage members of the public of all ages in our work.”

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust is developing the site as a nature reserve and educational centre and holds events to encourage people of all ages to explore the landscape’s nature and history.

Durham University’s work is part of REFIT, a project which focuses on some of the most significant monuments in European history.