A £62,800 grant will fund a project to make the history of the Washburn Valley come alive.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) award will enable forensic experts to research skeletal remains and other finds from an archaeological dig at Fewston Churchyard.

Life and Death in the Washburn Valley: the Fewston Assemblage is a local volunteer scheme focusing on what was unearthed before the Washburn Heritage Centre was built.

Members of York Osteoarchaeology and the Universities of Durham and York will examine the remains to find out more about how our local ancestors ate, where they lived and what type of illnesses they had.

The ultimate aim is to produce biographical snapshots of the individuals concerned to provide a unique insight into what life in the valley was like during the 19th century.

Archdeacons with the Diocese of West Yorkshire and The Dales, the Venerable Paul Slater and the Venerable David Lee, said: “We are delighted to hear the wonderful news confirming the HLF grant which will benefit the local community.”

Otley resident Mervyn Lister will be paying very close attention to the findings, as he is a direct descendant of two of the people whose remains were discovered.

He said: “I have had an avid personal interest in this project.

“It has also awakened a great deal of interest in the wider community, and I can see its benefits extending many years into the future.”

Volunteers are to be trained in social and family history research so they can support the work, while a professional media company will use the results to create an exhibition, booklet and film.

A series of guided walks is also in the pipeline.

The researchers will be working to a fixed time limit, as the diocese needs the remains to be re-interred by October, 2018.

The head of the HLF in Yorkshire and the Humber, Fiona Spiers, said: “This exciting project will bring to life the history of the early residents of the Washburn Valley, providing local volunteers with the opportunity to gain heritage skills and learn about the lives of those who previously lived in Fewston.”