A display exploring the ancient history of a countryside park in Hartlepool has been unveiled.

Information boards and an illuminated glass case containing replicas of rare artefacts uncovered by archaeologists during digs at Summerhill.

It is housed within the visitor centre in Catcote Road, Hartlepool.

The site is known to have been the location of a thriving Romano-British settlement, Catcote Village, about 2,000 years ago and annual digs by Tees Archaeology have revealed more and more of its past.

Tony Davison, Summerhill manager, said: "The finds indicate there was an indigenous agricultural settlement that did quite a lot of trading with the Romans.

"It was probably linked with the trading routes to Seaton Carew and the port there, and the local Roman military outpost.

"Some of the information panels attempt to explain the site's history in an interesting and easy to understand way, and the replica artefacts aim to add a touch of reality."

A mural depicting how Catcote Village is thought to have looked is also on display.

The features have cost about £20,000, thanks to a Heritage Lottery Fund grant.