ARCHAEOLOGISTS say they are excited about a find at a North-East landmark they believe may shed new light on the Dark Ages.

The historians say a Seventh Century sword discovered near Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, is the only one of its kind in the world and rivals the Sutton Hoo hoard in terms of importance.

The weapon, which may once have been used by an Anglo-Saxon king, was discovered in 1960, but has recently been sent to the Royal Armouries in Leeds for X-rays.

The results show its blade is made of six strands of carbonised iron bonded together to form a blade. While rare examples of four strands have been found before, the six-strand sword from Bamburgh is thought to be unique.

Paul Gething, director of the Bamburgh Research Project, said: "This is an exceptional sword and a stunning find. This is a vastly superior sword which, in its time, would have had serious bling factor.

"The importance of this find is akin to the discovery of the weapons at Sutton Hoo."

Dr David Starley, science officer at the Royal Armouries, said: "We see a lot of swords here, but we have never seen anything like this before."

The Sutton Hoo burial mound, in Suffolk, contained some of the most important finds in British archaeological history.