EXPERTS seen on Channel 4's popular archaeology show Time Team will be putting their skills to the test at Kendal Castle as they begin a two-week probe of the historic ruins this Monday (September 10).

The survey by Geophysical Surveys of Bradford aims to detect remains below the ground, to help pinpoint where further research is needed to shed light on the history of the castle, which was closely linked to the family of Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry Vlll.

Keen to spark more interest in the castle, the Friends of Kendal Castle group is inviting townsfolk to visit the ruins on Wednesday, September 19, between 10am and 1pm, so they can see for themselves how the survey is being carried out.

Invitations are also being posted out to schools.

Promoting the survey is the Friends of Kendal Castle group, with help from South Lakeland District Council, Lancaster University archaeological unit and other groups involved with the Kendal Castle Consultative Committee.

The survey is costing £4,250, and contributions have been made by Kendal Civic Society, Kendal Town Council, Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeo-logical Society, Kendal and District Neighbourhood Forum, SLDC and the Friends of Kendal Castle, which includes the following business sponsors: Builders Supply Kendal; Bowmans, Kendal; Victoria Wine Shop; Potter and Wightman Ltd; Ian Park (motor engineer); Westmorland Glass; Jim Troughton Home Improvements; the Castle Inn; and Kentdale Landrover.

Ian Postlethwaite, chairman of the Friends of Kendal Castle, said: "This is the first major project undertaken at Kendal Castle by the Friends group and I hope it will inspire new interest and enthusiasm among the town's residents and school children in Kendal's most important archaeological site.

"The Friends of Kendal Castle group is also looking forward to spring 2002 when work will begin on its second major project - a new metal staircase to the castle's north-west tower.

This project is grant-aided by the Heritage Lottery Fund and will provide visitors with a new safe viewing point of the castle and the town."