VOLUNTEERS are being sought to carry out some very old washing up.

Exeter Archaeology, the city council's archaeological field unit, recently dug up a hoard of 45,000 shards of medieval pottery in Hemyock.

Each day from Monday to Friday next week the field unit will be scrubbing these shards between 9am and 5pm outside the Custom House on Exeter Quay then sorting them out and seeing whether they can be reassembled.

Various pot enthusiasts will be present and Exeter Archaeology is looking for willing volunteers to join in — all they have to be is over 16.

People interested in joining for some, or all, of the week should contact John Allan by email at exeter.arch@exeter. gov.uk, or call him on 01392 665918.

Those taking part are advised to take a packed lunch each day and rubber gloves.