WORK on a £1.8m water pipeline scheme near Masham has uncovered traces of a medieval pottery.

Small fragments were unearthed when preparation work began on the Yorkshire Water scheme to improve the quality of drinking water for villagers in and around Healey.

Northern Archaeological Associates, who have worked with Yorkshire Water on many projects, were called in to excavate the site, and further investigation revealed the remains of a medieval potters' workshop, believed to be a first for the Yorkshire region.

The dig, which is being paid for by the water company, represents one of the largest archaeological investigations in Yorkshire for several years.

Artefacts found so far include remnants of a kiln structure discovered almost 4ft below ground in the workshop, buried under about 100,000 pieces of pottery.

Phil Neal, of Northern Archaeological Associates, said: "This really is an amazing find.

"Never before in this area has pottery of such historical significance been found. The foundation of the potters' workshop is currently visible, the kiln surrounded by a dry stone wall. It is magnificent to look at."

Mr Neal said that just by looking at samples of pottery it was evident that they were more than 500 years old.

The exact location of the site is being kept secret because of its historical significance.

Northern Archaeological Associates, of Barnard Castle, were called in six years ago when work on a Yorkshire Water pipeline revealed the remains of 30 unknown people believed to have been buried at Thornton Steward between AD680 and 1020.

A few months later, at St Oswald's Church in the village, the remains were reburied in 12 small cardboard boxes in a simple ceremony.