A HAMPSHIRE graveyard has been dug up by archaeologists.

Specialists from Wessex Archaeology excavated part of the graveyard at St James’ by the Park, in Church Street, Shirley.

Experts have been inspecting how far below the surfaces the now unmarked graves are.

Bones that were discovered were carefully reburied, with the graves dating back to the 19th century.

Residents were advised that archaeologists were helping the church understand whether an extension to the listed building was possible and how deep the foundations would need to go.

Dan Clark, vicar of St James’ by the Park, said: “We love having school groups visit and other groups from the community using the building, but we’re painfully aware that the facilities aren’t great.

“We’ve already replaced the chairs to make this a more flexible space, but now we need to work on improving the toilets and catering facilities.

“The rooms we have in our parish hall are also very tired. We would love to bring them onto our main church site by adding an extension which would create a good space that the community can use through the week, and that we can use for our children’s and youth work on Sundays.”

The findings will be written up within the next few weeks, before an application is submitted to Southampton City Council.