The remains of a massive Iron Age cattle ranch have been identified in the region.

The discovery of the ranching operation, which stretches for more than 10km on chalky hillside near Malton, North Yorkshire, has been hailed as a major find by archaeologists because of its scale.

The site had baffled experts since mysterious lines were spotted in crops over it when aerial photographs were taken in the 1950s.

But a team of archaeologists, including English Heritage investigator Dave MacLeod, believe they have now solved the mystery.

Although there are no physical remains on the site, by using the latest techniques of aerial archaeology combined with ground excavations, the team examined the lines - which are thought to date back to the 2nd century BC.

They identified ditches and banks which created funnels used to channel thousands of livestock into droveways leading to the only reliable water source in the area. It is thought the funnels were part of a much bigger system stretching over 20km.

Mr MacLeod said: ''Nowhere else in the UK do we see funnel structure of this complexity or on such a massive scale.

''Essentially we are looking at the remains of a highly sophisticated cattle business that is more reminiscent of the High Chaparral than small scale peasant farming.

''It paints a vastly different picture of the Iron Age.

''English Heritage, which was involved in the project as part of the BBC2 series Time Flyer, says the site will not be protected as there are no physical remains on it.