TWO archaeologists from the University of Reading are in the running to win a top national prize for their research.

Dr Jim Leary and Dr Hella Eckardt have been nominated for the top individual prize of Archaeologist of the Year.

Professor Mike Fulford completes a hat-trick of nominations for the university after being named as a contender in the Project of the Year category.

The annual awards scheme is run by Current Archaeology magazine and recognises outstanding contributions covered in magazine in the last 12 months.

Professor Fulford said: “I am very honoured to be nominated. It is fitting recognition of a great team project involving colleagues from two organisations, the University of Reading and Cotswold Archaeology, working together for over six years.”

The winners of the awards will be announced at Current Archaeology Live on February 23 at the University of London’s Senate House.