THE discovery of the skeleton of Richard III has revived attention on the search in Winchester for the other lost king, Alfred the Great.

St Bartholomew’s church in Hyde is seeking permission to dig up the grave where the king is reputed to lie and to carry out forensic research to see if the human remains may be Alfred, his wife Alswitha or son Edward.

An application is being prepared by the church for permission from the Diocese of Winchester. It is expected to be submitted in the late spring-early summer. It is unclear when or if permission will be granted.

National newspapers have today focussed on the initiative revealed in the Hampshire Chroni last October.

The Rev Canon Cliff Bannister said: “If it is Alfred, and we know it is a big if, it would be a huge find.”