VILLAGERS are digging into their own history in a bid to create a chronicle from medieval times to the present day.

Boltby, which stands on an ancient drovers' road near Thirsk, has won a £6,000 grant for the ambitious project from the Local Heritage Initiative.

As well as the history project, it will pay for a detailed look at the hidden past of the village through a detailed geophysical survey.

The survey will detect any masonry or other solid structures beneath the surface, creating a picture of what lies underground without the need for excavation.

The village is part of the Ravensthorpe Estate, and its interesting features include a reservoir built just for local use.

It was created when the estate decreed that villagers should never have to pay for clean drinking water - and to this day local households do not have to pay water rates.

Tracy Thompson, of the Boltby Millennium Group, said: "The project evolved from the fundraising for the village hall, when we uncovered details of the history of the village and we were especially encouraged when local farmers kept on unearthing pottery.

"The entire community is involved, with individuals researching areas such as the church and parish history, local cottage industries and the history of the drovers' road."

Villagers aim to turn the results and findings from the project into an exhibition and accompanying booklet. A series of talks about the project is also planned.