GUIDED tours of archaeological excavations alongside the A1 at Catterick attracted about 600 history enthusiasts.

Steve Sherlock, archaeological clerk of works for the Highways Agency’s A1 Leeming to Barton improvement scheme, said he was delighted so many people had attended the tour on Saturday, January 24, and given positive feedback.

The work is ahead of bridge widening and road construction undertaken as part of the upgrade of the A1 to motorway status in North Yorkshire.

“People commented on how spectacular some of the finds were and how much they enjoyed the day,” he said.

“Other people told us they remembered the original A1 build in 1959 and 1960, and told us about what had been found then.”

Mr Sherlock said the tour took visitors to one of the sites currently being excavated and gave background information on the3 finds, which include Roman roads, buildings, as well as various pieces of pottery, glass, broaches and animal bone – all dating from the 1st to 4th century AD.

He added: “We will be holding another guided tour in the summer at another site.”