During a drought in the 90's Ann Hearle, noticed odd markings in the grass in a field behind her house. She called in an archeologist who thought the green stripes indicated that there had once been a structure beneath the grass. They began a few small test digs and made an amazing discovery. There were signs of ancient settlement and they needed to find out more.

For the past six years a group of archeologists from Manchester University have had permission to dig again in John and Ann's garden and the field behind. They're joined by members of the village keen to discover what is their own history. The former mayor and the retired headteacher of Mellor school are among those using trowels and mattocks under the hot August sun.

Despite strict instructions not to go near the rhododendron bushes, and to leave the vegetable patch untouched, the dig grows and grows. First they find a beautiful Roman Broach, then some shards of Mesolithic flint, and finally, at the bottom of a deep wide trench - important evidence which will help historians write on a blank page of Britain's history.

Presenter Mark Whitaker joins archeologists and their amateur helpers, on this year's Mellor dig.