A group set up to uncover a possible network of historic tunnels in Sandbach is poised to start their first excavation.

Sandbach Tunnel Network is about to start work at the Town Mill in High Street looking for a possible tunnel underground.

And they are in the process of securing a HQ in the town to set up their operation as well as finding space to open a museum to house their findings.

Sandbach Tunnel Network will be showcasing some artefacts at Sandbach Makers Market on Saturday 10th July and will be holding a meeting in the town to talk about their plans.

Linden Burt, the brainchild behind the group, says they have already found coins used to pay townsfolk in and an old water pot used to bless crops in the field.

He said: "We are really moving forward with the work and will start excavations at the old Mill shortly.

"We will excavate and preserve anything we find. Our plan is to open a museum so we can showcase our findings."

The group has been given permission by Age Concern to investigate their street tunnel entrance adjoining Bold Street as well as several other sites in the town.

They will be looking at a reported tunnel from Dingle Farm to St Mary's Church, farmland to search for hidden chests or a potential tomb of King Peada and monastery foundations off Crewe Road to search for a reported tunnel from abbeyfields to the monastery.

A dedicated Facebook page has been set up by Sandbach Tunnel Network which has already attracted 3,500 followers.