VOLUNTEERS have spoken of their delight at discovering the true extent of a civilian settlement next to a Roman fort - running for hundreds of yards along an ancient route.

Preliminary findings of a geophysical survey reveal the traces of buildings running along Dere Street at Longovicium, Lanchester's Roman fort in north-west Durham.

The work was carried over three days this week by the Friends of Longovicium, helped by a small army of volunteers and experts from Durham University's Archaeological Services.

Friends chairman Rodney Hawkins said geophysical mapping carried out last year had indicated five houses and shops at the eastern gate of the fort. But there was nothing to show where the settlement ended.

A geophysical survey involves the use of hand-held magnetometers which detect and record anomalies in the Earth's magnetic field - allowing the outlines of buildings and walls to be mapped without the need for excavation.

Mr Hawkins said: "We looked at two hectares south of the fort and one hectare to the north to see if we could find the limits of the vicus, or civilian settlement.

"What we found is very encouraging. Preliminary findings show the settlement goes on for much further than we expected.

"There are traces of houses on either side of a 300 yard length of Dere Stree to the south of the fort.

"They appear to be a mixture of houses and workshops. More detailed analysis of the data will shed more light on the structures."

However, survey of the northern side of the fort was rendered indecipherable by an underground metal pipe - though further analysis may make it clearer.

The vicus supported a garrison of the fort which would have provided protection and facilities for convoys travelling along Dere Street, which ran from York to Corbridge - the main supply base for Hadrian's Wall.

Mr Hawkins said a survey carried out at the fort last year had also established the true course of Dere Street - parallel to where it was originally thought to be.

The friends were able to conduct the survey following a £6,500 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and a further £500 grant from Durham County Council.