Last updated at 13:28, Friday, 22 February 2013

A further three years of excavations at Maryport’s Camp Farm site will be carried out, it was confirmed this week.

PLEASED: Prof David Breeze

The archaeological dig, which has already found a 1,600-year-old Roman altar, will continue to encourage more visitors to the town.

The announcement was made as Professor David Breeze, an expert on Hadrian’s Wall and Roman Britain, was named as the new chairman of the Senhouse Roman Museum Trust.

Prof Breeze has been a trustee of the museum since 1985 and, with David Clarke, is the only surviving founding member of the trust.

Prof Breeze was a former chief inspector of ancient monuments for Scotland and is an honorary professor at the universities of Durham, Edinburgh and Newcastle.

Prof Breeze said: “I am looking forward to serving the trust in a new capacity. I have worked with Jane Laskey, curator of the museum, for several years and together we form a strong team dedicated to enhancing and promoting the museum.”

He said was delighted that Prof Ian Haynes, of Newcastle University, had accepted an invitation to continue the dig.

He said: “The primary aim of the excavations, which started in 2011, has been to improve our understanding of the collection and so update the displays in the museum.

“The programme of excavations has resulted in increased numbers of visitors coming to Maryport.

“In 2013, there were over 10,000. We are convinced that the continuing archaeological excavations will bring more visitors.”

Prof Breeze paid tribute to outgoing chairman Peter Greggains, who retired last week after seven years.

He added: “He retires leaving a secure legacy in place.”

First published at 13:05, Friday, 22 February 2013
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk