A HEREFORDSHIRE field is the scene of a 'last-ditch' bid to pinpoint King Offa's palace, writes CATHERINE SHOVLIN.

And anyone wanting to take a look, can visit the excavations tomorrow or Saturday as part of West Midlands Archaeology Week.

The project is a follow-up to investigations carried out near the River Lugg by Tony Robinson's 'Time Team' TV programme which probed a possible site at Freen's Court, Sutton St Michael, and another next to the village church.

No definite evidence was found at either, but according to county archaeologist Dr Keith Ray, the latter appears to be the best bet.

"This seems to be the most plausible site for Offa's palace, if other than in the hillfort (Sutton Walls), because the scale of the ditches equates to that of Offa's Dyke and the defences of Hereford" said Dr Ray.

"The earthworks are of a scale that we would associate with Offa and we are giving it our best shot to see if we can come up with evidence of the elusive middle Saxon period."

Following geophysical studies, they are working to the west of the church and opening up sizeable areas to the south in the hope of finding structures in one of the 'sub-enclosures' that have been identified.

Dr Ray's team is also be going back to Freen's Court, where they hope to pick up early stone buildings.

He confirmed: "This is our second and last season at Sutton. If we manage to prove there was a lot of Anglo-Saxon activity there, we will try to encourage a university-based project."

The open days run from 10am until 5pm and guided visits will be offered hourly. The excavations will be sign-posted and there is parking in a field just to the south-east of the church.

Details 01568 614931.