The British archaeology programme, Time Team has begun a dig in Dorset.

The team has began a dig investigating an Iron Age complex near Corfe Castle.

Time Team, which ran on Channel 4 for 20 years between 1994 and 2014, returned last year to YouTube.

Now fan supported and fan lead, the YouTube channel is supported by subscribers and still showcases archaeological digs with a mix of old and new members to the team.

The site at Corfe Castle, was put forward by Time Team’s own Dr Derek Pitman and Dr Lawrence Shaw.

Working together with Harry Manley of Bournemouth University, a single test trench uncovered over 1,000 years of history, bridging the transition from the Iron Age into Roman Britain.

During the Iron Age, some 2,000 years ago, the area was home to the Durotriges tribe, and this site offers excellent opportunities to investigate how they lived and died.

Early evidence indicates industrial activity, several phases of settlement and even burials – an extremely rare find for this period in British history.

Dr Derek Pitman says: “As a Dorset boy, I’m thrilled to welcome Time Team to my turf, for what looks to be an incredible weekend.

Dorset Echo: Time Team are filming in Dorset for their new YouTube ChannelTime Team are filming in Dorset for their new YouTube Channel (Image: Time Team)

"I’ve honestly never seen so much archaeology in a single trench before, and we think this is just the tip of something much bigger. We’re in for a treat!”

The excavation coincides with the 30th anniversary of filming Time Team’s first episode, back in 1993, which aired the following year.

Time Team’s creator and Series Producer, Tim Taylor, said: “We couldn’t hope for a better site to celebrate three decades of Time Team. I still can’t believe it’s been that long, but here’s to the next 30 years!”

Many familiar faces are returning, including presenter, Dr Gus Casely-Hayford, Prof Carenza Lewis, Dr John Gater, Prof Stewart Ainsworth and Dr Helen Geake. Guests for the weekend include old Time Team friends, Dr Philippa Walton and Dr Miles Russell.

Tony Robinson has passed the baton of presenting the three-day-digs on to Dr Casely-Hayford, however producers say he is still "very much involved" with the channel, presenting special documentaries.

The completed episode will premiere worldwide on YouTube at a later date not yet confirmed.

Tim Taylor says: “It’s thanks to our wonderful Patreon members across the globe that Time Team can investigate fascinating sites like this. I can’t wait to see what comes up.”