Youngsters taking part in a school dig have discovered the skeleton of a man thought to be almost 2,000 years old.

The human remains, including his complete skull, have excited archaeologists who believe it goes a long way to backing up Abingdon's claim to be the oldest town in the country.

And they have also discovered a flint arrowhead in perfect condition - dating as far back as 5000 BC.

Tim Waters, a housemaster at Abingdon School, said: "The area being dug up is usually used by the boys to play croquet on or to throw a frisbee around. "It's amazing to think this has all been hidden below us all this time."

The first sign that the area could be home to significant human remains was in 1997 when expert Pat Excell made a startling discovery shortly after some excavation work had taken place.

Mr Waters said: "Pat asked us why there was a human rib sticking out of the flower bed."

After a geophysical survey of the area had been carried out, the school decided to hold another dig over the Easter holidays. The remains are to be studied further at York University before being re-buried at the school.

Mrs Excell suspects the man may have come from overseas, suggesting he could have been a Roman soldier.

Mr Waters added that the school hoped to build up a picture of his life and use it for future studies.

Story date: Friday 09 April

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