Archaeologists have discovered over 177,000 historical artefacts at a motorway upgrade construction scheme in North Yorkshire.

A Morgan Sindall/Carillion joint venture (JV) is the main contractor on the £380 million A1 Leeming to Barton widening project.

Works involve installing an extra lane in each direction and improving the route.

However, an archaeological team of around 60 people working alongside the JV have uncovered the artefacts on the Great North Road after sieving through more than 50 tonnes of sediment samples over a two year period.

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They have found numerous artefacts dating between the Middle Stone age, the Iron Age and Roman period.

Discoveries include a rare Roman brooch from Eastern Europe, a miniature sword, ceramic pots, personal possessions and human remains.

Highways England Project Manager, Tom Howard, said: "It is fascinating to discover that nearly 2,000 years ago the Romans were utilising the A1 route as a major road of strategic importance and using the very latest technological innovations from that period.

"We are doing the same thing today – using the latest technology to improve this important route and significantly reduce journey times."

It is understood the scheme will open to traffic in 2017.

(LM/MH)