ENGINEERS carrying out flood repair work have uncovered what archaeologists believe was the Roman version of the M62.

An Environment Agency team preparing the flood defences at Corbridge, in Northumberland, have discovered part of a ramp leading to a Roman bridge over the River Tyne.

The section of retaining wall indicates the presence of a Roman road along the south bank of the river.

Historians believe the find is of national significance because it is the first evidence of an East-West road in the area and may have been the Roman equivalent of today's modern trans-Pennine route. It was discovered during work to reinforce a stretch of bank damaged in January's floods.