HILLFORT history will come to life on the night of the March full moon when flares and torchlight will shine from 10 ancient sites.

Volunteers will be enlisted to take part in the historic experiment between Cheshire and North Wales at dusk on March 19.

Organisers hope to discover whether glowing fires could have been seen and used as a communication system between the Iron Age hillforts of the Sandstone Ridge, the Clwydian Range, Mynydd-y-Gaer Corwen, Halkyn Mountain and Wirral.

They are appealing for volunteers to take part and try to communicate by shining torches between the sites.

The Hillfort Glow experiment, organised by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s (CWAC’s) Habitats and Hillforts Project, was originally scheduled for December but had to be postponed because of the heavy snow.

Clr Richard Short, CWAC’s executive member for culture and recreation, said: “This is such an exciting and visual experiment, possibly the last time these hillforts were connected in such a way was over 2,000 years ago.

“It was a great disappointment that last year’s attempt was stopped by the snow and ice, I’m sure the team will be successful this time.”

On the night, flares will be launched from the hillforts followed by torch light at Maiden Castle, Beeston Castle, Kelsborrow, Helsby, Burton Point, Moel y Gaer Rhosesmor, Penycloddiau, Moel Arthur, Moel Fenlli and Caer Drewyn.

The Iron Age settlements date back around 2,500 years and most of the hillforts can be seen from each other.

The new date of March 19 was chosen because it is a full moon evening, which will create extra light and more ambiance for the experiment.

It is also the day before the March equinox, marking the beginning of spring.

Volunteer places are limited so register by visiting heatherandhillforts.co.uk.

For more information about Hillfort Glow visit habitatsandhillforts.co.uk.