ROYSTON archaeologist Sylvia Beamon hopes work carried out for a new television documentary will prove the existence of a second Royston cave. A film crew producing a documentary series on the progress of the Knights Templar across Europe, took a series o

ROYSTON archaeologist Sylvia Beamon hopes work carried out for a new television documentary will prove the existence of a second Royston cave.

A film crew producing a documentary series on the progress of the Knights Templar across Europe, took a series of scans near the cave in Melbourn Street on Sunday.

Mrs Beamon said: "They used ground penetrating radar equipment, and an instrument called a Magnatometer, to do several scans, and the results showed that there are two cavities next to the cave.

"The next stage is to drill a hole into the area, and insert a Boroscope, which is a tiny camera.

"This will show us what is actually in there.

"It may only be a soakaway, but it would be wonderful if there was another cave."

Royston Cave, which is believed to date back to the 13th century, was discovered in 1742.

It features an extensive range of wall carvings depicting figures such as St Catherine and St Christopher.

Many historians believe it was originally used as a secret temple by the Knights Templar.

Mrs Beamon has been researching the cave for 20 years, and published a book, Royston Cave: Used by Saints or Sinners? in 1992.

She said: "We first became aware of the possibility that there is a second cave 24 years ago, and carried out some investigations then.

"But this should prove it one way or the other. I am very excited."

The documentary series, which is being produced by Classic Media Group, is entitled Quest.

It is not yet known when it will be screened.