A CUMBRIAN history group has been named as the Community Archaeology Group of the Year.

Duddon Valley Local History Group was presented with a certificate and a cheque for £1,000 by Dr Mike Heyworth, director of the council for British Archaeology, under the Marsh Awards scheme.

The ceremony was held in the iconic halls of the Society of Antiquaries, Burlington House, London.

The award was given to the History Group for its work in the excavations of three potential Norse longhouses in the Duddon Valley at Seathwaite.

Ken Day, who is chairman of the Duddon Valley Local History Group, said: "This award came as a complete surprise. I knew we had been nominated but to actually win is a real credit to the teamwork that went into putting this project together.

“There are many people to thank but without the support of the National Heritage Lottery Fund it is unlikely that the excavations would have taken place.”

Stephe Cove and Mr Day received the award on behalf of the History Group.

This was the culmination of over ten years work, providing detailed surveys of the valley for the Lake District National Park, during which a number of structural remains of similar size were, and of possible Norse origin, were identified. Three of these were chosen for excavation.