VISITORS to an annual Roman festival will be able to see the “Pompeii of the North” unearthed by archaeologists at an excavation site.

The well-preserved remnants of an empire dating back 1,800 years have been discovered at Binchester Roman Fort, near Bishop Auckland.

Archaeologists have discovered a bath house with seven foot high walls, which were once covered with brightly covered painted designs, and the original floor, doorways and window openings.

An inscribed altar dedicated to the Roman goddess Fortune the Home-Bringer has also been unearthed.

Binchester Roman Fort is holding its annual Roman festival on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27, between 10am and 4.30pm.

The programme of events, which includes armoury and weaponry displays, mock battles and horsemanship, will start at 11am and is repeated at 2pm.

Admission is £5, concessions £4, children, added four to 16-years-old £3 and children under four are free. For more details, call 01388-663089.