The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Rt Hon James Purnell MP joined schoolchildren from Baguley Hall Primary school and community volunteers at Dig Manchester's Wythenshawe Hall community archaeology dig in Wythenshawe Park on Friday 21st September.

Dig Manchester is one of the city's flagship cultural and social regeneration projects, inspiring hundreds of people to get involved with archaeology in their own neighbourhood. Through the project, residents, schoolchildren and community groups work alongside professional archaeologists on a programme of archaeological activities and community excavations at sites of historical interest across the city.

More than 500 local schoolchildren are taking part in the three week Wythenshawe Hall Dig alongside around 300 volunteers, family groups and a host of community groups including the National Autistic Society, Manchester Learning and Disabilities Horticultural Group, Entry to Employment young people, Benchill Children's Centre, parent and toddler groups and young people from the Pupil Referral Unit.

The excavation at Wythenshawe Hall is uncovering the 18th and 19th century 'Home Farm' - the stable, dairy and workshop areas located around the half timbered Hall set in Wythenshawe Park, which is thought to date back to the 16th century. The dig's focus is to reveal the everyday working lives of people who served the hall and park through a wide range of trades and skills. Of special interest is the Ice House, an early version of a 'fridge' structure, into which ice was packed to store seasonal produce throughout the year for the Tatton family who owned and lived in the Hall from the mid 16th century.

Alongside the dig, people of all ages and abilities are taking part in arts activities inspired by and reflecting the archaeology with local arts and mental health organisation, Studio One.

Culture Secretary James Purnell said: "It is a fantastic project, helping local people find out about archaeology and the hidden heritage around them. By discovering more about our shared past, we can ensure that people in the future will get a fuller picture of where they came from."

Councillor Mike Kane, the City Council's Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "This project is bringing the past alive and capturing the community's imagination. We're extremely proud of the Manchester Dig and I'm delighted that the minister has accepted our invitation to come and see volunteers in action."