THE remains of a medieval manor, discovered on the site of a post-war housing estate, were uncovered during the final stages of an archaeological excavation.

Schoolchildren and residents got their hands dirty to excavate trenches on land near Marbles Way in Preston, but found little – until a mini digger was brought in to clear rubble away.

It helped unearth some foundations of Preston Hawe, a significant manor in the area between the 12th and 14th centuries.

Walled sections of the manor of Preston Hawe and the chapel that served the wealthy families that lived there were uncovered, as well as medieval roof tiles and a range of pottery.

The land was initially excavated in the 1950s before the estate was built, but the results were never properly logged.

A community project was set up in 2009 to examine those findings, leading to the physical dig last month.

"Since Brian Hope Taylor's dig in the 1950s, the area seems to have been used as a rubbish tip," said Surrey County Council community archaeologist Abby Guinness.

"The group got in a mini digger to clear some of the rubble they were finding.

"As a result, the dig turned up some fantastic finds.

"Dig Preston has been a brilliant opportunity for members of the local community, and over 200 children from local primary and secondary schools, to discover archaeology and help to uncover Preston's secret past.

"The students taking part in the dig were given an historical tour of the site.

"They learnt excavation techniques and finds-identification and processing skills.

"They were also given the opportunity to work with our team of metal detectors."

The next stage of the project is to produce an information booklet and interpretation board about the site.

For more information visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/digpreston or alternatively e-mail Abby Guinness or Laura Joyner at education.scau@surreycc.gov.uk