MIDDLEWICH Town Council is hoping to recruit and train volunteers with an interest in history to become guides for the town's Roman trail.

In partnership with English Heritage, the council is offering weekly training sessions starting in January and running until June, with the aim of expanding the existing guide service as the number of historic projects in the town grows.

Town clerk Jonathan Williams said the council wanted to recruit around 20 volunteers who, once they have completed their training, would be committed to working along side the existing team.

He said: "It will be very rewarding for anyone interested in the town's history and volunteers will gain a lot from getting involved.

"As the Roman and Norman events expand, we need more people to get involved showing the public round."

He said the course, which starts on Thursday, January 20 at 5pm, will consist of a Roman history refresher and an introduction to the Normans and will explore the process of archaeology with guest sessions by Patrick Burke of English Heritage and county archaeologist Dr Jill Collens.

Jonathan added: "There will be a bit of a test at the end of the course, although it's not an exam, it's more just to check what people have retained and so that we can issue them with a certificate when they've finished. It's all meant to be good fun."

The sessions, which will be held in the town council chambers in the Victoria Buildings, are open to all ages and levels of experience.

For more information ring Jonathan Williams on 01606833434.