SMOKE signals will be rising over Rainford during the next fortnight as the archaelogists get busy on a second dig into village history.

From June 16 to 27 the second phase of excavations will be underway at Rainford Library revealing previous usage of the site in Church Road.

The library stands on the site of a pub and a clay tobacco pipe workshop, where clay pipes were produced up until the early 20th century. The pipe shop was demolished in the 1950s when the current library was built.

The dig is part of the ‘Rainford’s Roots’ community heritage project organised by the Merseyside Archaeological Society and National Museums Liverpool.

Last summer the team excavated part of the site now investigation will continue teaching Rainford residents and volunteers various archaeological skills.

Rainford Roots’ community project officer Samantha Rowe said: “We have carried out a number of excavations and surveys in Rainford to explore the heritage of the village, with a focus on its early industrial history as a pottery and clay tobacco pipe cottage industry.

“Locals, volunteers and pupils from Rainford High will have the opportunity to excavate and record the site and process artefacts.”

Visitors are invited to attend an open day at the site on Friday, June 20 between 1pm and 2pm and join a guided tour of the area on Thursday, June 26 between 1.30pm and 3pm.

An exhibition of finds from the 2013 dig will go on display in the library from June 30 for three weeks. A larger exhibition of Rainford pottery will go on display at the Museum of Liverpool on July 1 for a month.

For more information on the community project email the team: rainfordsroots@gmail.com, or for more information go to www.rainfordsroots.com