ARTEFACTS dating back to the 15th Century have been uncovered during an archaeological dig on Newcastle's Quayside.

The dig, which precedes work on the Merchants Quay housing development and forms part of the planning consent, has unearthed an unusually well preserved wooden bowl and various pieces of 15th Century pottery.

A culvert belonging to the late medieval or Tudor period has also been discovered.

A second dig is due to take place soon, before work begins on the building of 35 luxury apartments in September.

Ian Crabtree, financial and commercial director at Mercian Developments, which is behind the Merchants Quay project, said: "We're really excited by our latest development as it's based in one of the most historic parts of the city - an area that was populated by wealthy merchant traders from the 14th Century onwards.

"The area which will become Merchants Quay first began to develop in the Middle Ages, so it will be very interesting to see what is being recovered to help us build a more detailed picture of what life there used to be like."