ARCHAEOLOGISTS are hoping to unearth the secrets of a "lost" wartime village in the Lake District this summer.

Spadework on the two-week dig at the site of the former Calgarth Estate - now home to the Lakes School, Troutbeck Bridge - is to start on Monday, July 15.

The estate was built to house hundreds workers and their families from the Sunderland flying boat factory on the shore of Windermere, the houses affectionately known as "Short's Palaces".

In 1945 hostels on the estate became home to 300 children who survived the Holocaust and who described their new lodgings as "Paradise".

The Lake District Holocaust Project, based at Windermere library, says visitors are welcome to come along during the dig and see what artefacts may be revealed among the ruins.

During the first week, the land will be surveyed using magnetometers and ground-penetrating radar, and several test pits will be excavated.

In the second week, July 22 to 27, efforts will focus on exploring the remains of a hostel, and there are still a few spaces remaining for volunteers to take part. Archaeological experience is not needed as training and guidance will be given, but it is essential to book a session To find out more, email info@troutbecktotreblinka.com

Among the acclaimed international archaeologists taking part will be Caroline Sturdy Colls, Professor of Conflict Archaeology and Genocide Investigation, and the team from Staffordshire University's Centre of Archaeology.

During the dig a small exhibition will share some of the history of the estate, the flying boats and the Holocaust survivors.

The site will be open from Monday, July 15 to Saturday, July 27 from 9am to 12pm, and 1pm to 4pm (closed on Sunday, July 21).