A TIME capsule began at the weekend as budding historians gathered at the biggest archaeological dig on Hartlepool's Headland in 20 years.

It is being carried out by Tees Archaeology as part of a major project to create a town square and landscaped history garden in front of the Borough Buildings.

The archaeological work has discovered items that illustrate what life was like in the medieval seaport which occupied the site.

Visitors to the open day were asked to bring small photographs of themselves, to place inside a time capsule. They also enjoyed guided tours by the archaeologists, as well as seeing many of the objects that have been discovered.

Construction of the town square is being led by the North Hartlepool Partnership, which is using money from regional development agency One NorthEast to regenerate The Headland.

The project is part-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund.