Droitwich is as rich in archaeological sites as the city of York, a leading archaeologist has claimed.

Derek Hurst, of Worcestershire Archaeological Service, who has worked in York, said he believed people should be made more aware of the spa town's colourful past.

"Droitwich is extraordinarily rich in archaeological history," he said. "It is easily comparable with somewhere such as York. People still do not realise what a wealth of archaeological sites we have here.

"I've worked in both Droitwich and York and Droitwich has got as much, if not more, to offer."

The hidden and ancient past of the town will be highlighted during a free guided walk by the archaeologist this coming weekend. Starting at the St Richard de Wyche statue in Vines Park at 10.30am on Sunday, Mr Hurst will take people on a history tour of the town.

During the walk people will learn about the ancient brine well in Vines Park, have a glimpse of the Dark Ages as they relive the moment that the remains of a rare minster were discovered under the mediaeval St Augustine's Church, and hear about a Roman salt-making site, which is now a car park.

The walk has been organised and sponsored by Wychavon District Council as part of its summer programme of events, and should last for about an hour-and-a-half.

Mayor of Droitwich, Councillor Don Lawley agreed with Mr Hurst's beliefs about the rich history of the town and encouraged residents to be proud of the fact.

"There is no other place like Droitwich," he said. "Our salt is denser than that in the Dead Sea and we have the only truly working spa in the whole of the UK. Even the town council gets a mention in the Domesday Book.

"The town has a spectacular and rich history, far better in my opinion, than York. We've got it all here and I think people are beginning to wake up to this fact."