Prehistoric settlement unearthed

A previously unknown prehistoric settlement and a Roman farmstead have been unearthed in Herefordshire.

The area was discovered on the Arrow Valley floodplain below the ancient castle at Staunton-on-Arrow and dates back more than 4,000 years.

The Roman settlement was discovered downstream at Pembridge.

As part of the project archaeologists teamed up with farmers and residents in the area to explore the history of the river valley.

'Fascinating finds'

A Herefordshire Council spokesman said the work involved recording historical sites on farms and how farmers had seen the landscape change.

Excavations provided new insights to the Roman and prehistoric occupation of the valley, he added.

Keith Ray, Herefordshire Council's County Archaeologist, said: "This project has unearthed some fascinating finds.

"It's also been a great opportunity to work closely with the community of Arrow Valley.

"Many of the residents were very involved with the whole project from helping clear the scrub from the castle mound to allowing us onto their land to carry out work."