EXPERTS from the University of Winchester will lead an international dig at one of Africa's most important archaeological sites.

The former capital Lalibela, famed for its medieval rock-cut churches, sits on the slopes of Mount Abuna Yosef in Ethiopia.

Dr Niall Finneran, from the Department of Archaeology at the University of Winchester will lead a team of archaeologists, assisted by both French and Ethiopian scholars. Their goal will be to study the churches over the next three years, in the hope of understanding more about the ancient town.

"We're delighted that the university will be at the forefront in Europe of research into medieval Ethiopia," said Dr Finneran.