An excavation project uncovering secrets of Roman and Anglo Saxon settlement near Norwich needs your vote to win a national archaeology award.

The dig around the site of the Roman town Venta Icenorum, at Caistor St Edmund, which has involved many Norfolk volunteers, is one of six projects nationwide to be short-listed for Current Archaeology magazine's Research Project of the Year. The one which receives the most online votes from the public will win the accolade. Among the other short-listed projects is the archaeological work to find the final resting place of Richard III and excavation work around Stonehenge.

Dr Will Bowden, who leads the Caistor dig programme in association with Norfolk Archaeological Trust, said he was really proud the project had been nominated, and that the hard work of the volunteers was being recognised, and he urged people to vote for the project.

He said: 'We're up against some very high profile projects including the hunt for Richard III. It would be fantastic for all our local volunteers if we won and a real demonstration that high-profile academic research can be done in a way that involves local people.

'We've had over 12,000 visitors over the four years we have been digging at Caistor, so it would be great if we could get some of them to vote.'

To vote for the Caistor dig – which is listed under the title The Iceni under Rome – visit www.archaeology.co.uk/vote The closing date is on Friday.

Are you involved in a new heritage project? Call Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk