AN error at an archaeological dig has helped discover the remains of an ancient tree.

The Community Project team digging in the woodlands of Monk Fryston Hall found the carbonised remains of a tree found at the edge of the Ice Age glacial Lake Humber, which could date back to 10,000 BC.

Volunteer Mark Lovett had been asked to excavate part of the site, probably a Victorian ditch, but had gone too deep, stopping only when he came to natural geology and the remains of the Iron Age tree.

Simon Tomson, site director, said: "It was my fault, we over dug it."

So far, more than 70 people have trained in excavation, finds handling and site planning at the dig, with many visitors attending open days to look at the rutted medieval road found by excavators. Experts believe this road was used for hauling stone from local quarries to a waterside loading area to be shipped to Selby and build the Abbey.

Ray Newton, project manager, said: "Whilst excavating the site we have found two Neolithic flint cores, brought from the Wolds dating from around 2500BC.

"These items gave us an inkling that this waterside area has been used for a long time, but to find something which is clearly identifiable to everyone from the ice age is remarkable. Not everyone recognised the tree, some likened it to a dinosaur claw or a giant spider."

Richard Cawthorne, deputy project manager, said: "We have a really productive site; we thought that the road was spectacular; then we found the flint cores and then the Ice Age tree which is really special. We just wonder what will be next."

The next open day at the site is on Saturday, August 8, before the site shuts down on Monday, August 10.

More information about the Heritage Lottery Fund-funded dig is available at findingfryston.co.uk