THE discovery of evidence of a Roman military presence in an unexpected part of the North-East has surprised archaeologists, who are preparing a major investigation.

Faverdale East business park, on the edge of Darlington, was the last place experts believed they would find signs of the northern military frontier of the old empire.

But, during a routine dig before an Argos distribution centre is constructed on the site, a string of unusual discoveries have changed their thinking.

Roman and Iron Age artefacts, indicating that the Roman Army may well have links to this part of Darlington, were unearthed.

Archaeologists are now hoping to uncover a lot more.

Robin Taylor-Wilson, who is heading the project, said: "On the very first day, we started hitting major archaeological sites, Roman and Iron Age pottery, which was really surprising.

"We thought there was pretty high potential for medieval finds, after the Norman Conquest, but nothing like this.

"It's not as if there is a known Roman settlement for miles around - Darlington does not have a Roman past."

His team will now set about preserving and recording their finds, as well as trying to establish the role the site may have played centuries ago.

"I'm not saying there is a Roman fort on the site, or near it, but there is certainly a heavy military influence."

Outside of Darlington, the region's Roman links are well documented.

At nearby Piercebridge, on the other side of the town's outskirts, there is a small Roman fort on the banks of the River Tees.

There are visible remains, including the East Gate, courtyard building and part of an internal road.

Binchester was County Durham's largest fort, first built in timber about AD80 before being transformed into a giant stone fort in the early part of the Second Century.

It was abandoned about AD410 and had largely been destroyed by AD500.

Perhaps the region's most famous Roman links are found at Vindolanda, just south of Hadrian's Wall, where an Army museum charts the absorbing history of the area.

It is one of the world's most intriguing Roman sites, giving visitors an insight into the life of a soldier in a foreign land.

Vindolanda was manned by several units, usually non-citizen recruits, who served for a period of up to 25 years in exchange for Roman citizenship.

The Darlington discovery may be in its infancy, but many will hope it can become an integral feature of the region's already captivating Roman history.