EXHILARATED archaeologists have unearthed a Roman settlement which they say could be evidence of the start of industrial activity in the region.

A large village making quality products for discerning military personnel on Hadrian's Wall is the most likely explanation for the remarkable findings at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield.

Experts from Channel 4's Time Team have been exploring 17 acres of County Durham parkland for the past three days.

Aerial photographs had indicated some form of second century Roman settlement, but what they have found on the ground has exceeded all expectations.

A Roman road, probably no more than a track, runs through the site and this could have linked a settlement in Chester-le-Street to a River Tees crossing point.

The best evidence is of industrial activity, including what was probably a glass working site, and a site for copper and bronze work.

Most exciting of all is an almost intact firing kiln for making good quality pottery which is so well preserved that even the hand prints of Roman workers are still visible on the walls.

Renowned Time Team archaeologist Mick Aston said: "It's an extraordinary thing to find. This is almost the pre-history of industry in County Durham.

"Probably what we're looking at here is a big Roman village and probably a village that's more to do with craftsmen and industrial activity than anything else."

The goods are likely to have been made for and sold to the military, either at Hadrian's Wall or from the side of the road as legions passed through.

The television crew was invited to explore the park by Durham County Council, which is planning a major restoration project.

County archaeologist Fiona Macdonald said: "We're delighted with the evidence we've found because it really will put Sedgefield on the Roman map. I can't emphasise its importance enough.

"It's been everything we wanted it to be and much, much more. To have these quite unique features has been absolutely fantastic."

The programme is likely to be broadcast in the spring next year and is expected to make a strong episode.

Presenter Tony Robinson, also well known as Blackadder's sidekick Baldrick, said: "It's fantastic for Sedgefield. I think that most people coming here think we're just digging some holes in the field, but we can show people what was going on here in Roman times and what local people were living like."

Although the team has now left the site, the work is not over. All of the information and artefacts gathered will be recorded and examined to build up a better picture of what life was like in this important settlement.