AS news of the sale of Binchester Roman Fort was being revealed Durham University archaeology lecturer Dr David Petts immediately turned his attention to the work he wants to do on the site.

“We are really excited," he said.

"The Auckland Castle Trust has done a great job in the wider area by incorporating Binchester into the wider vision.

“It means the university can look to the longer term without having that worry about the land being spoilt.”

The Roman fort in Binchester, near Bishop Auckland, has been sold to Jonathan Ruffer, who leads the trust which owns the neighbouring Auckland Castle.

Auckland Castle Trust offered the £2m asking price, after landowners – the Church Commissioners – put it up for sale last month.

The historic site – dubbed the Pompeii of the North – was divided into two lots, which are among ten plots of land being sold by Church Commissioners in the area.

The trust, led by philanthropist Jonathan Ruffer, had hoped to secure the site before now but the Church Commissioners refused, saying they would only consider applications after the deadline had passed.

The trust launched a petition after the Church Commissioners refused to consider applications before its deadline and it had reached more than 4,000 signatures before the announcement about the sale was made on Monday.

The fort, a mile from Auckland Castle, hit the international headlines in the summer when it was revealed archaeologists had uncovered some of the most exciting historical finds in living memory.

These included a bath house with 7ft high walls, painted plaster, its original floor, doorways and window openings and an inscribed altar dedication to the Roman Goddess Fortune the Home-bringer.

The trust wants to keep the site open to the public and also allow further excavations.

Dr Petts added: “We have only scratched the surface of such a huge site but the work we have done, particularly this year, has shown the potential of the site. We are looking forward to working at Binchester and also Auckland Castle in the future.”

Dr Bob McManners, chairman of Bishop Auckland Civic Society and Auckland Castle trustee, said: “I think it is important to be able to attract more visitors and the more offerings you have in terms of attractions the better.

“This links in with what is going on at the castle nicely.”

County councillor for Binchester, Charlie Kay, said: “This is the best possible outcome. We are on the cusp of something great and it is fantastic that it has been secured for the people of Bishop Auckland.”