ANCIENT discoveries made by a team of archaeologists on the outskirts of Cockermouth will be on show this week.

People are invited to visit the site off Low Road and behind the Lakes Home Centre from 1pm to 4pm on Wednesday.

The nine-strong team of experts has been on site for six weeks and uncovered remains of an ancient community.

Times and Star: Working on the ancient siteWorking on the ancient site (Image: Newsquest)

In the first few weeks they discovered evidence of a Roman foundry, marching camp and small village, said landowner Bob Slack.

More recently they have discovered a bust, coins and pottery, also the foundations of a building and flagged floors.

"We do not know if it's the head of a Roman god but it's a nice thing.

"We're not sure what it's made off but it's gone to Barnard Castle to be cleaned off," said Mr Slack.

It will be on show at the open day.

"The archaeologists will be available to show people some of their finds they have had up until now.

"They will tell them about what they have found and what they believe is the story so far," said Mr Slack.

The Ecus team, from Barnard Castle, was called in by Mr Slack who is keen to put some flood defences in the area.

"Planning will be subject to an archaeological dig so hopefully by arranging the dig it will speed up the process when applying for planning permission," said Mr Slack.

A geographical survey of the eight to 10 acre site was carried out to identify what is underground and which areas to excavate.

Mechanical diggers were then brought in to remove the top and sub soil.

Since then archaeologists have been meticulously examining four areas.

The team will be on site for a further three weeks.

"It's gone extremely well and we've been fortunate with the weather," said Mr Slack.

"They had an idea what they were going to find from the geophysical survey which had been carried out."

The team will create three types of record: drawn, photographic and written/ digital.

Once everything has been recorded the area will be covered with soil and reseeded.

The land is in a flood zone so cannot be developed. Mr Slack has planning permission for 27 homes adjacent to the Lovells development on Low Road.