The mystery surrounding a flooded village under Bowood Lake may soon be revealed as Calne divers prepare to take the plunge next month.

A team from Calne Sub-Aqua Club, formerly based at White Horse Leisure Centre, is now planning the first exploration of the lake since Lord Lansdowne's attempt 20 years ago.

The legend is that the original Bowood village was flooded 300 years ago because it stood in the valley where Capabilty Brown wanted to put a lake.

The story goes that residents of the estate cottages were evicted from their homes and Derry Hill village and the Sandy Lane Cottages were built specifically to re-house them.

It has even been suggested that in the middle of summer when the water level lowers, the top of the hamlet's church spire can be seen in the water.

Nothing has ever been found in the lake to substantiate the story but Calne Sub-Aqua Club chairman Jon Dodsworth, says he hopes they will find something.

Mr Dodsworth, of Severn Close, Calne said: "We might get the boat in the water and realise the conditions aren't right to dive so I am not holding my breath just yet.

"Realistically it's a fifty, fifty chance but it would be great to uncover some real history.

"It seems to have gone from planning an interest dive to a full scale project."