ARCHAEOLOGISTS are hailing the success of an Iron Age settlement dig only days after it began.

Professional and amateur archaeologists are working to uncover what is thought to be a 2,500-year-old settlement.

The team has already found ample evidence, including pottery and building boundaries, that the site just outside Redcar, in east Cleveland, was once the home of our Iron Age ancestors.

"Work began in earnest on Monday and we are pleased with the results so far," said Robin Daniels, of Tees Archaeology.

"There's clear evidence of Iron Age activity, which is what we wanted to establish, and there's some way to go yet. I'm sure we'll turn up some interesting finds."

Mr Daniels, who said Tees Archaeology was working with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to excavate the land at Foxrush Farm, near Dormanstown, said the potential of the site became obvious from aerial photographs years ago.

There will be two events during the dig. Booking is essential for a family learning day for community groups on Sunday, and there will be an open day a week later, with re-enactments and site tours. Call (01642) 444231 or 479500 for more information.