A TEAM of archaeologists will be digging up Wandle Park to uncover what lies beneath – and strengthen its bid for Lottery funding.

The experts from the Museum of London will be opening five trenches in the park off Waddon New Road, Waddon, and offering tours of the excavation sites.

Their work will contribute to the park's application for a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

If the bid is successful then the money will go towards a major revamp of the park, which it is hoped will include bringing the River Wandle, which flows underneath the park, back to the surface.

The archaeologists have been set the task of discovering what remains of the original river and the foundations of the park's bandstand from Victorian times.

They will also analyse the sediment of the ground where a lake used to be located in the park.

Sara Bashford, cabinet member for customer services, culture and sport for Croydon Council, which is making the bid for Lottery funding, said: "It's always exciting to have the chance to dig back into the history of an area.

"I'll be fascinated to see what the team from the Museum of London are able to uncover."

Digging starts on Monday and tours, which last about 45 minutes, will take place at 1pm on Wednesday and Thursday. .

Anyone wishing to attend should meet at the Wandle Park pavilion.