ARCHAEOLOGISTS working at the site of a school expansion project are excitedly awaiting the results of tests on a “once in a lifetime’’ find.

Experts working at the expansion of Norton Primary School have uncovered an unusually complete Roman cremation burial known as a bustum, with two pottery vessels and their contents.

North Yorkshire County Council’s principal archaeologist, Peter Rowe, said the find is particularly significant because the complete vessel could contain human remains.

They have been taken to York Archaeological Trust and will go on to Leeds Royal Armouries for the contents to be X-rayed before a more detailed examination takes place.

John Buglass, of JB Archaeology Ltd, which is carryingout the excavations, said this was the type of find which would happen once in a lifetime.

“It’s an incredibly interesting site, more interesting than we thought,’’ he said. “The latest find is unusual and rare, and one of the pots is complete, even after the best part of 2,000 years underground.”

The excavation has already revealed baby burials, pottery and a ritual burial of goose heads.