AN early Bronze Age dock may have been discovered at Staithes.

A series of large waterlogged timbers in the side of Staithes Beck have been dated by archaeologists in an initial examination of the site.

The team of experts from Sheffield University in partnership with Tees Archaeology was surprised at the results and the national significance.

Graham Lee, archaeologist at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said that the find was very exciting and could be unique.

"The platform consists of compete tree trunks, surrounded by the remains of smaller timbers. The size of the main timbers suggest that they represent a substantial platform on which the North-Eastern side of the beck appears to have been developed."

Interpretation of the find is uncertain as no similar structures are known nationally. It is considered that the site probably represents some from of working/living platform, or perhaps a dock, but the use of complete tree trunks to construct such a structure appears to be previously unknown.

Mr Lee added: "Radiocarbon dating has revealed that the timbers are about 3,500 years old. The platform appears, therefore, to be only some 450 years younger than 'Seahenge', the now famous timber circle from the North Norfolk coast, making it intriguing."

The site is being investigated this week by Tees Archaeology, under the direction of Paul Johnson. English Heritage is providing specialist advice to the park authority. The aim of the excavation will be to expose, excavate and record the archaeological features present in order to ascertain the timbers' true significance.

Robin Daniels, of Tees Archaeology, said: "Our excavation of the site will aim to reveal the extent of remains and associated archaeological evidence. We hope this will lead to a fuller understanding of this important discovery."

But owing to its tidal location, the excavation will not be straightforward. Cleveland Potash is supplying equipment vital to the operation.

This includes a scaffold installation to allow the archaeologists to work on the logs without damaging the timbers, sand bags to protect the timbers during high tide and protective gloves to enable the experts to safely handle rocks and any sharp debris.

Another item of equipment will be a backpack sprayer with a supply of pure water to use as a slow pressure-jetting device to clean the timbers of mud.