A NORTH-EAST underwater archaeologist has spoken of the challenges of filming in one of the region’s great rivers.

Durham-based Gary Bankhead is the resident expert on Sky History’s River Hunters and episode two of the present series, broadcast at 9pm tonight, is based in the River Ouse in York, rich in Roman and Viking archaeology.

Gary said he was “thrilled” to be given the opportunity to dive the river.

"During the planning phase of developing season two of River Hunters, when site options were being finalised, for me, one location really stood out above all the others – the River Ouse in York," he said.

The Northern Echo: Gary Bankhead filming for the York episode of River Hunters. Picture: GARY BANKHEADGary Bankhead filming for the York episode of River Hunters. Picture: GARY BANKHEAD

"The river has been constantly sampling the material culture of York throughout its period of occupation and excavations in York, a city renowned for its rich Roman and Viking archaeology, have revealed a wealth of material.

"It was a river high up on my bucket list. After securing the necessary permissions, I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to dive it, although I was always mindful that it would be a challenge, both physically and technically.

He added that the challenges of filming ion the Ouse soon became apparent.

"Anyone who has crossed a bridge in York, may have noticed that the river seldom, if ever, runs clear," he said.

"It is coloured brown because of the peat suspended in it – the Ouse’s system of tributaries drain a large upland area of northern England.

"Unfortunately, these same peat particles actually filter out sun light the deeper you go and given that the underwater scenes were filmed 10m below the surface, it meant that it was incredibly dark – claustrophobically so. Certainly no place for the faint hearted!"

The Northern Echo: Gary Bankhead filming for the York episode of River Hunters. Picture: GARY BANKHEAD

But he said the conditions “adds to the drama” of the episode, adding: "Without giving away any spoilers, after three long hours of searching the riverbed, I eventually settle on a spot that offered up a cache of important small finds that reveal an insightful picture of life in York from the late-medieval to the Victorian period."

* River Hunters, from York, is on Sky History tonight (Monday, April 12) at 9pm. Sky History is available on Sky 123, NOW TV, Virgin 270 and TalkTalk 327. Episodes will be available on catch up.