IT COULD be a scene straight out of Tony Robinson's Time Team TV show.

But archaeological artefacts uncovered at the site of the new Spurriergate shopping centre in York could turn out to be even more significant than Jorvik.

Experts believe the amazing haul unearthed during two years of work in the city centre could be York's biggest archaeological discovery since Coppergate.

The investigation, conducted by Malton-based Map Archaeological Consultancy Ltd in co-operation with the Quarmby Construction project management team, has yielded a spectacular array of artefacts dating from first century Roman, to Viking to 13th century medieval deposits.

The finds include the skeleton of an Angle juvenile, a leather tent panel from the first Roman camp to pitch up at York and the remains of a Viking building formed from a vertical plank construction - a technique that has never been seen in the city before.

More than 120 different types of footwear (including a complete preserved first century Roman sandal) have also been uncovered along with Roman amphorae (jugs with two handles), textiles, keys, glassware and jewellery and ceramics, much of which is in remarkable condition.

Map has also praised the willingness of Quarmby Construction, which is building the new shopping centre, without which, they insist, the excavation would not have been nearly so successful: A spokesman for Map Archaeological Consultancy Ltd said: "Quarmby must be commended for their cooperation and professionalism which has resulted in the ideal working environment and partnership."

Experts believe the large quantity of high-calibre material may be to do with its location. The site revealed the presence of ancient latrines and cess-pits which existed between the rows of original medieval dwellings on the site.

Built up over hundreds of years and at several metres deep, it is unlikely the original owners of these artefacts were inclined to retrieve objects accidentally dropped in.

The Map team are the first to excavate this site since the renowned York archaeologist GF Wilmot in the 1950s. Mr Wilmot uncovered stone constructed Roman buildings and two sections of Roman road, but could not confirm the suspected existence of remains of an important Roman bathhouse.

A spokesman from Map Archaeological Consultancy Ltd said: "This is the most significant archaeological find since Jorvik 25 years ago; we have been constantly amazed by the content and quality of what we have found here."

The finds unearthed at Spurriergate are to be displayed for public viewing at the Yorkshire Museum next summer.

Building work on the Spurriergate complex is expected to be completed in the new year.