TWENTY years ago to the week, Channel 4 program Time Team ventured back to Athelney to help uncover more of the area's historical secrets.

The historical site was being raked over as the TV programme's experts joined a Somerset County Council dig.

The team, including presenter Tony Robinson and Taunton historian Robin Bush, were on site looking for the remains of an abbey rather than the Saxon King's infamous burnt cakes.

Prior to this visit twenty years ago, Time Team visited the site ten years prior.

The aim of this project in 2002 was to excavate part of the church, and clarify the extent and nature of the remains.

Excavations revealed areas of Saxon metalworking and evidence of even earlier occupation dating from the Iron Age.

County archaeologist Bob Croft said: "This is one of the most important sites in Somerset history.

"The research project will help piece together some of the story of Athelney's archaeology, which has been hidden for centuries."

Pupils from Heathfield School, Burrowbridge and Stoke St Gregory visited the site in 2002 to help with the project.

As well as that, members of the public were allowed on to Athelney Farm for a look at the goings on.