ARCHAEOLOGISTS have been called to a converted 12th-Century priory in the North-East to investigate the possibility that medieval human remains lie unrecorded within the grounds.

The small-scale excavation is likely to take place in the coming weeks at Marrick Priory, near Reeth, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The archaeological dig has been called for because Marrick Priory, which is now used as an outdoor education centre by school groups, has received planning permission to build an extension and improve its facilities.

Head of the centre Jim Gleave said the proposed development included improving the centre's disabled access and providing a new kitchen and drying room.

He said: "Marrick Priory is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and, therefore, the national park has a duty to protect the archaeology.

"The investigation will be carried out on the part of the site where we plan to develop prior to any work actually taking place."

The priory was founded between 1154 and 1158 by Roger of Aske. Benedictine Sisters lived there through several centuries of prayer and worship, before it later became the parish church for the village of Marrick.

The national park's senior conservation archaeologist, Robert White, said there was a possibility that the excavation uncovered medieval remains.

He said: "If some archaeology is discovered, then it will be carefully removed under strict conditions and recorded. Any human remains would be respectfully lifted and then buried elsewhere on site.

"This excavation is giving us the chance to finally pull together ten years worth of work that has been done on the site, so it could prove exciting."

However, staff at the priory do not expect the excavation, to be carried out by The Brigantia Archaeological Practice, from Barnard Castle, County Durham, to uncover anything spectacular.

Mr Gleave said: "The area has been previously disturbed and so it is highly unlikely that anything of archaeological value will be found.

"As far as we are concerned, it would be better that way so that we could get on with improving our facilities for the public without too much delay.