A quern stone which is used for grinding corn has been found at Catcote Village in Hartlepool.

What is believed to be an oven has also been discovered at the site, which is now part of the Summerhill outdoor adventure park.

Family bringing history back to life>>

Almost 200 people learned more about the site when they turned up for an archaeology open day at the weekend.

They got to chat to archaeologists at the site as well as look round displays and watch pot making.

Members of the Roma Antiqua living history group were also there dressed in Roman clothing.

The Rent a Peasant re-enactment group also had representatives at the site during the free event, which lasted for seven hours on Sunday.

Andrew Rees, a retired teacher, works at Summerhill and was taking children round the dig sites during the open day.

He said the dig to find out more about the Romans was an ongoing process: "A quern stone used for grinding stone was found a week or two ago and they have found remains of a really nice oven."

He said the finds would be recorded and mapped with ditches and boundary walls all logged.

Andrew said the public turnout for the open day was "a decent response".
He said parents would arrive with their children after the youngsters had first paid a visit as part of a school trip.

Enthusiasts also show an interest and Summerhill is valued by locals who use it to walk their dogs, added Andrew.

Anyone wanting more details about events at Summerhill should contact (01429) 284584.