THE secrets of a Roman settlement will be unearthed by time detectives on national television at the weekend.

Experts from Channel 4's Time Team joined archaeologists from Durham County Council to dig into the history of Sedgefield village last April. The results of the three-day investigation into the site near Hardwick Park, will be shown in A View to a Kiln on Sunday at 5.35pm.

TV archaeologists Professor Mick Aston, Phil Harding and Carenza Lewis joined their county council counterparts in using a variety of techniques to reveal Roman features beneath the fields.

It is thought they may represent one of the county's first industrial estates, dating from the 2nd Century.

County archaeologist Fi-ona Macdonald said: "We're delighted that after ten years of filming archaeology around the country, Time Team has finally made it to County Durham.

"Having Channel 4 on site meant we had access to equipment, technology and experts that most archaeologists only ever dream of.

"We can't wait to see the site reconstructed on TV and to find out more about what was discovered."

Local people, including the Friends of Hardwick, Sedgefield Local History Society, the county council's voluntary Countryside Rangers and metal detecting enthusiasts, helped with the dig.

Schoolchildren and other visitors were also able to examine the finds.

The county council will consider the future of the site and its finds after the programme is broadcast.

Pottery and other artefacts found on the site are being analysed and are expected to be returned next month.