A TEAM from the archaeology department at the University of Manchester will be setting out to explore what remains of the past uses of Ashton Park in Ashton on Mersey this week.

Led by Dr Hannah Cobb, the team will be undertaking some geophysical analysis which allows them to examine what is beneath the ground without digging it up.

Ashton Park was originally a series of fields but, in 1913, it was formally opened as a public park.

The team aims to identify whether past features from the park are still present today, beneath the soil.

In particular it will be focusing on an area where former tennis courts and a bandstand are visible on the 1930s Ordnance Survey map. If their foundations still remain here then the geophysical work will show that this is the case.

The work could also reveal traces of activity from longer ago - such as if if there were any prehistoric or Roman occupations on the site.

The team will be at Ashton Park on Thursday and Friday, August 6 and 7, from 10am to 4pm each day.

There will be an information gazebo located in the park during the work and people are welcome to pop by for a chat and to read more about what the team is doing.

There will also be an opportunity to join in during a drop in hour from 12.30-1.30 each day, when members of the public can have a go at undertaking geophysics work.

This project is funded by the Sale Town Partnership Make Sale Smile Fund, and the University of Manchester. The team is also grateful to be granted permission to work here by Trafford Council and the Friends of Ashton Park.