WITH names such as Versace dominating the world's catwalks, the Italians may regard themselves as being the modern-day epitome of sartorial chic.

But while their Armani suits and Gucci bags show their contemporary flair for the ultra-trendy, evidence has emerged to show that things were once very different.

Their Roman ancestors made what today would be the ultimate fashion faux-pas - wearing socks with their sandals.

The evidence emerged among thousands of archaeological objects found in the River Tees at Piercebridge, near Darlington, by divers Bob Middlemass and Rolf Mitchinson.

Among the items they brought to the surface was an unusual Roman knife, or razor handle, made of copper alloy and in the shape of a human leg and foot.

On closer inspection, the foot is wearing an open-toed sandal with what appears to be a woollen sock or stocking beneath.

The object emerged as part of the "objects of desire" theme of Museums and Galleries Month, during which staff are gathering best-loved objects from their collections.

The finds liaison officer at Newcastle University's Museum of Antiquities, Philippa Walton, selected the handle and spotted the sock.

To be charitable - and given where it was found - anyone wearing such a combination could well have been putting comfort before style.

Ms Walton said: "Was this a fashion blunder or a defence against the northern weather?"

Other discoveries from the period also appear to prove that style was the last thing on a Roman's mind - or foot - while on duty in the North-East.

Letters discovered at the Roman fort at Vindolanda, on Hadrian's Wall, from soldiers requesting their families to "send more socks", seem to suggest that protection against the elements was indeed their priority.