MAYOR Andy Bowden joined a community time team dig at a local library to explore the archaeology of the area.

An ancient ‘boozer’ once stood on the site of Rainford library as well as a 19th Century pipe shop, where clay tobacco pipes were manufactured and produced up until the early 20th century.

The pipe shop stood on the site until it was demolished to build the current library building in the 1950s.

Library staff and users are said to be excited by the project and are looking forward to seeing what comes out of the ground.

The excavation forms part of the ‘Rainford’s Roots’ community archaeology project, run by the Merseyside Archaeological Society and National Museums Liverpool.

Rainford’s Roots Community Project Officer Sam Rowe said: “We’re carrying out a number of excavations and surveys in Rainford to explore the heritage of Rainford village, with a focus on its early industrial history as a pottery and clay tobacco pipe cottage industry.

“These projects will shed light on the activities which were taking place in Rainford village, and reveal the variety of objects that were being produced and traded in the region.”