A period of South Creake's past has been uncovered for the first time in an extensive archaeological dig.

Roman artefacts including pottery, coins and jewellery have been discovered that are thought to date back to the end of the third century.

The dig came about after Craig Yarham, of North Creake, submitted plans to build a house on Winston Drive, South Creake, last year.

However, various Roman coins had been discovered in other parts of the area.

An investigation by Giles Emery of Norvic Archaeology later confirmed the presence of Roman artefacts, which then led to the current dig as a condition associated with the development of the property.

Mr Emery said: 'Although South Creake is located close to the routes of two Roman roads, aside from the discovery of a hoard of Roman coins in 1799, no Roman activity has been reported in the area before.'

He added anyone who came across anything thought to be of Roman descent should contact Norfolk Museums Service.

'Every find can help to build up the jigsaw puzzle of South Creake's ancient past,' Mr Emery said.

The area which was excavated is thought to have been a small villa or farmstead.

Fragments of pottery, coins and a brooch have been found so far, however the full results of the finds will be analysed at a later date.

As well as Roman artefacts, items such as prehistoric flint shards were discovered that date from the late Neolithic to early Bronze Age, which added another 2,500 years to the discoveries of the dig.