THE SEARCH for the tomb of King Alfred was reaching a climax today when diggers excavate three graves.

Community archaeologists believe these are those of Alfred, his Queen, Eahlswith, and their son Edward. If they strike gold, they may even find the bones of these historic figures.

For the diggers, on the site on the edge of the car park at River Park Leisure Centre, it is the high point of the six-week dig.

Now into the community phase, 30 volunteers turn up six days a week to do their bit to unearth the mystery of Alfred's final resting-place.

Plans are also under way to dig a new trench in the car park that would be open for about a week. The diggers have also discovered additional tombs thought to belong to high-ranking abbots from Hyde Abbey, which originally stood on the site.

Community archaeologist Graham Scobie said: "We've known all along where Alfred's tomb may be and this week the excavations on the graves will start.

"The good news is that John Mellor who raided the site in 1860 appears to have excavated in the wrong place."

Site boss Peter Fairclough said: "At the moment we are in the presence of some monumental archaeol-ogy and so far we have achieved great success in understanding the history of the site." Also excited by the findings was the youngest digger on site, 11-year-old Eleanor Wood who had travelled all the way from Farnham to dig for Alfred with her sister Jenny, 16.

"It's really good fun, and I think we will find King Alfred", said Eleanor.

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