A UNIQUE collection of Anglo-Saxon jewellery found in the North-East is set to go on display to the public for the first time.

The seventh century treasure trove sheds light on the extraordinary life of an Anglo-Saxon princess living in east Cleveland.

The artefacts were found in a farmer's field near Loftus between 2005 and 2007 at the only known Anglo-Saxon royal burial site in North-East England.

The startling finds, which include a distinctive gold pendant, have been hailed by archaeologists as some of the rarest ever discovered.

Redcar archaeologist Steve Sherlock, together with members of the Teesside Archaeological Society, excavated the 109-grave site at Street House, which dates back nearly 1,400 years.

He said: "This one of the most significant finds of an Anglo-Saxon burial ground in the country, and it has been a privilege to have worked on the excavation.

"This is a spectacular discovery that has attracted the imagination and attention of people from all over the country.

"We are still not finished excavating the site so you never know what else will be uncovered."

The exhibition at Kirkleatham Museum, near Redcar, for which admission is free, opens on Saturday, May 28, and will offer visitors an unprecedented glimpse into life in Anglo-Saxon times.

A film - narrated by Teesside-born actor Stephen Tompkinson - will be shown, while a 360-degree image of the excavation site can be viewed.

Visitors will be able to look inside an Anglo-Saxon house and there will be costumes for children to dress up in. Replica jewels and pots can also be decorated, while the museum's Lillies cafe will serve up Anglo-Saxon banquets.

Museum curator Alan Pearce said: "This is one of the most significant displays in the whole of the North-East. The Anglo-Saxon period is one that many people seem to know very little about, so it will be fantastic for the museum to help bring it to life."

A smaller-scale exhibition for residents of Loftus is taking place in the town hall, starting on Monday, May 9.

Further information about the Anglo-Saxon Princess exhibition is available online at redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/museums or facebook.com/kirkleathammuseum Alternatively, people can contact the museum on 01642-479500.