A County Durham archaeologist is hoping an appearance on a popular BBC television programme will help bring his significant finds to a national audience.

Gary Bankead has uncovered more than 13,000 objects on underwater explorations in the River Wear in Durham City since April 2007.

Mr Bankhead said it was "quite surreal" to be appearing in an upcoming episode of Digging For Britain, presented by Professor Alice Roberts.

The Northern Echo: Gary Bankhead talks about his dinds from the River Wear in Durham for an episode of the new series

The Series 11 episode, scheduled to air on BBC 2 at 8pm on January 2, will offer viewers an introduction to St Cuthbert, his shrine in Durham Cathedral and Elvet Bridge.

The episode will feature Mr Bankhead and the Dive into Durham project, including underwater footage of his excavations in the River Wear downstream from Elvet Bridge.

It will mainly focus on the unusual and significant late-medieval pilgrim souvenirs discovered by underwater archaeologist Mr Bankhead, especially the ampullae and the scarce Cuthbertine pectoral cross.

The Northern Echo: Some of Durham underwater finds that will feature in Digging For Britainthe

Historian Onyeka Nubia will also journey to Durham Cathedral to engage with Professor Richard Gameson from Durham University to explore the archives and special collections.

They aim to find references to pilgrimage to St Cuthbert's shrine at Durham and to explore the offerings made.

This episode is set to connect these significant discoveries with the contemporary accounts of the time, concentrating on the 'ordinary' pilgrims who journeyed to Durham in large numbers during the late-medieval period.

Mr Bankhead said: "For me personally, to actually feature on a television series that I have really enjoyed watching since 2010 feels quite surreal.

The Northern Echo: Gary Bankhead talks about his dinds from the River Wear in Durham for an episode of the new series

"Apart from showcasing the interesting work of archaeologists, what the Digging for Britain programme really excels in is highlighting their important discoveries to the wider British audience.

"So, for the Dive into Durham project, which coincidentally has been running for about the same length of time, this is an important opportunity."

Recommended reading:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a premium subscription for just £4 for four months for a limited time only. Click here for details.

He added: "Here in the North East, the huge assemblage of small finds from the River Wear near Elvet Bridge has really captured the region's imagination.

"However, despite the rarity of many of the finds, the project is yet to achieve any real national recognition; Had they been found in the River Thames in London then maybe this would not be the case – therefore, their appearance on Digging for Britain, will finally take news of their discovery to a national audience."

The episode of Digging For Britain featuring Mr Bankhead and Durham is due to be broadcast on BBC 2 at 8pm on Tuesday, January 2. All episodes from the series will will be available on the BBC Iplayer from the same date.