FRAGMENTS of a 2,000-year-old Roman pot have been unearthed in Worcester.

Shards of pottery dating back to the second century were discovered by archaeologists just days after they started digging in The Butts as part of a 10-week community project.

A team of professionals from Worcestershire County Council is working closely with 70 volunteers, examining and recording the site before work starts on the new Worcester Library and History Centre.

Your Worcester News will be bringing you regular updates on the artefacts found at the site over the coming weeks.

The archaeologists said they were expecting to find Roman items but were surprised the impressive pot was one of the first discoveries.

Now glued together, the pieces of broken pottery – identified as locally made Severn Valley ware – form the lip of a pot, giving an indication of its full size.

It was found in what would have been a roadside ditch.

Archaeologist Justin Hughes said: “All over this area of the site are cobbles.

“It’s the surface of a Roman road. We know of track ways like this all over the Roman city and there is a chance this one could have linked up with others.”

Volunteers working with Mr Hughes are getting wholly involved in digging, washing and recording finds and making scale drawings as they go.

Their aim is to examine each layer chronologically, from the 18th Century sawmill to the Roman settlement. It is a chance for residents to find out what Worcester was like hundreds of years ago.

On site is a display case with all the most exciting finds and an exhibition room explaining how The Butts area has changed.

The site, adjoining The Butts car park, is open every day from 10am to 4pm until Sunday, October 12.

For more information go to wlhc.org.uk.