NEW light has been shed on rock art created more than 5,000 years ago, after years of painstaking work by archaeologists.

The ancient stone, carved with a unique geometric pattern, was found in the aftermath of the devastating Fylingdales Moor fire of 2003.

It was one of 2,500 archaeological features laid bare by the blaze.

The discovery attracted international attention, and its interpretation and conservation became a top priority for heritage chiefs.

Now new details about the find have been revealed as part of an interpretative project called Fire Over Fylingdales, backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which includes an exhibition at Whitby Museum, open until the end of September.

The stone was set into a ring of low boulders within a larger cairn monument, and included a second stone carved with cup marks and linear grooves. In addition, it appears the stone may have been broken from a larger block of fine-grained sandstone.

The markings on the second stone are similar in design to other "rock art" found on Fylingdales Moor, and as far afield as Ilkley Moor and the Cheviots.

At some stage, after the setting up of the carved stones, the whole monument was covered in stones to form a cairn.

As part of the conservation work, both carved stones were laser scanned to allow copies to be made, and left in situ to preserve the monument.

Replicas created from these scans will form part of the new exhibition display.

Neil Redfern, English Heritage's North Yorkshire team leader, said: "There's been a vast amount of speculation on the significance of the carvings and the meaning behind the monument.

"The more decorated stone is similar to Neolithic passage grave art found in Ireland and Anglesey, perhaps suggesting a funerary purpose.

"But no one really knows. The new exhibition is a chance for people to share in the discovery, and also celebrate the moor's remarkable revival."

Fire Over Fylingdales is organised by Whitby Museum, the landowner Sir Frederic Strickland-Constable, and the North York Moors National Park Authority, with support from English Heritage.

Examples of the techniques used to regenerate the moor, such as heather brashing and grass seeding, illustrate the success of the conservation work after the blaze, and paintings, photographs and stories inspired by the fire are also included.

Graham Pickles, the co-ordinator of Fire Over Fylingdales, said: "The exhibition is part of a wider project to tell the gripping story of the fire and the damage to the ecology, along with how the archaeology has been protected and the moor regenerated."

For further information, phone the museum on 01947 602908.