VOLUNTEERS from two businesses have helped uncover ancient artefacts which have lain undiscovered for centuries.

Staff from law firm Ward Hadaway and Durham-based Northumbrian Water have been working with archaeologists at Arbeia Roman Fort, in South Shields, where they discovered a Roman hair pin made from animal bones.

Archaeological projects manager, Nick Hodgson said: "Arbeia is the only fort on Hadrian’s Wall where visitors can see archaeological excavations taking place and this just goes to show that there are still exciting finds to be unearthed here."

The animal bones included parts of a dog’s jaw bone, from a 3rd Century dog burial at Arbeia, possibly buried for ritual reasons.

The managing partner at Ward Hadaway, Jamie Martin said: "Making an intriguing new discovery about the history of South Tyneside certainly added to the attraction of the activity and helped to make for a fascinating day’s work for our staff who took part."

Dean Lawson, a health and safety advisor at Northumbrian Water, was one of the volunteers who took part through the water company’s ‘Just an Hour’ scheme, that allows all employees to spend paid work time supporting community projects.

He said: "It’s very rare to get the chance to go on a professional archaeological dig so it was a really good opportunity and we made some interesting discoveries.

"I have already volunteered to clean and save artefacts again next year."