SMALL tourism businesses in the Hadrian's Wall area are being invited to see behind the scenes at an archaeological dig to improve their knowledge of what the area has to offer.

The Camp Farm dig at Maryport in Cumbria is being carried out by experts from Newcastle University and has been commissioned by the Senhouse Museum Trust.

It is the penultimate summer course organised as part of the Know Your Hadrian’s Wall Country project to improve tourism firms’ knowledge of the area and boost the experience of visitors.

Julie Sloan, sustainable development officer for Hadrian’s Wall Heritage, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for businesses to find out about the Roman site at Maryport, which is part of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site.

“We don’t know what the archaeologists will discover in the next few weeks but, already, a fragment of another altar has been unearthed, and it will be a chance to discuss the dig in detail and see any new finds all together.”

Julie added: “The next programme will start in the autumn.

“By learning more about what there is for visitors to see and do, tourism businesses can give visitors an exceptional experience, encouraging them to return, stay longer and do more.”

The Maryport event takes place on Wednesday, July 13, and the last course is the following day at Binchester, County Durham, on the Roman forts of Dere Street, which are being excavated by Dr David Petts of Durham University.

For more information or to book, contact Julie or Lucy on 01434 609700, or email lucy.weeks@hadrianswallheritage.co.uk or julie.sloan@hadrianswallheritage.co.uk