HIDDEN secrets of York's Roman and medieval past have been uncovered during an exploratory dig in Hungate.

Archaeologists have discovered evidence of a major Roman road and cemetery - including the urns of two people from the second or third century - a Roman dock, a medieval church, and the hall of the medieval guild of the Cordwainers.

Now plans are being prepared for a public archaeological dig as part of a massive re-development scheme for the ten-acre site between Stonebow and the River Foss.

It is thought the dig could become a major tourist attraction for York, as well as a hands-on opportunity for learning by schoolchildren and academics.

The exploration over the past six months, involving trenches and boreholes, has been headed by Mike Griffiths, a former county archaeologist who was involved in the York Minster excavation in the 1960s.

It has been commissioned by Crosby Homes, Land Securities and Evans Property Group - the three-way partnership that is seeking to transform the brownfield site into a new urban neighbourhood.

An outline planning application for homes, work and leisure facilities is to be submitted to City of York Council next month, following a lengthy community planning process involving York's residents during which many people said they would like the archaeological work to be opened up to the public.

One of the urns was found by archaeologist and human bones specialist Malin Holst, who said it was a very exciting moment for her. She said one of the urns was in perfect condition, with the cremated remains undisturbed from the time they were buried 1,800 years ago.

Mr Griffiths said York was long known to have had a medieval church called St John in the Marsh, and its location had now been found.

The digs had also uncovered remains from the Viking and Anglian periods.

He said the proposed public archaeology programme would allow a wide range of people, including schoolchildren, academics, professional archaeologists and tourists, to visit the site.

"The excavation will provide a real-life, hands-on opportunity for education, training and public enjoyment, while adding significantly to York's status as a world class venue for tourism."

Martin Bartlett, chairman of the archaeology group of the Hungate Community Trust, said he was excited by the long-awaited opportunity for a public dig at a location where there was both time and space for public access.

Updated: 09:16 Monday, September 16, 2002