EXPERTS were preparing to launch a major archaeological excavation last night after a surprise discovery that could shed new light on the region's Roman past.

A site in Darlington chosen for an Argos distribution centre that will create 700 jobs has yielded a series of fascinating finds, suggesting a previously unknown military presence.

The Faverdale East business park land is close to an area known to have medieval connections.

But it was thought that the site would not prove to be of any new archaeological significance - until now.

There are a number of Roman fort sites in the region, but Darlington has never been identified as one.

Last night, plans were being made for a full-scale investigation after a routine survey prior to the Argos development uncovered artefacts of "high status" from the Roman era.

Robin Taylor-Wilson, of Pre-Construct Archaeology, will be leading the project.

His team has found Roman and Iron Age pottery at the site - a major surprise as there was not thought to have been a Roman settlement in the area.

"It is a very important find for County Durham," said Mr Taylor-Wilson.

"The pottery is very high status and you usually only get that up here when there has been a military influence."

Initial work on the Argos scheme is due to start in late September, but experts are unsure whether their work over the next two months will have an impact on that.

Mr Taylor-Wilson said: "I would say there would have to be a major stone building, with mosaic floors for the council to start thinking along the lines of the development not going ahead.

"My gut feeling is that there is nothing like that, but we just don't know at this stage."

Darlington Borough Council is planning two open days during the course of the dig. There will also be round-the-clock security.