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Two burial chambers dating back 4,000 years have been uncovered by chance in a Northumberland community archaeology dig.

The excavations are on land around the 15th century pele tower at Cresswell in Druridge Bay.

An evaluation trench opened up in a field in front of the tower has revealed the stone-lined Bronze age chambers, called cists.

Supervising the dig is Dr Clive Waddington, who runs Archaeological Research Services Ltd, and who studied at Newcastle and Durham universities.

(Image: Handout)

He led a major dig in 2013 at Low Hauxley on Druridge Bay where finds included a burial cairn, in use between 2,400BC and 1,800BC.

Bronze Age burials have also emerged over the years from the eroding coastline at the bay.

Clive said: “We have had a great discovery at Cresswell. where, putting an evaluation trench in the entire field, we have landed on a Bronze Age burial ground.

“There are two interlocking stone boxes which may have held children, and there is a pillow stone in each which acted as a head rest.

“The history of Cresswell now goes back to around 2,000BC.”

(Image: Handout)

Local archaeologist Barry Mead said: “We have hit gold dust by sheer chance.”

The dig will now focus on the area around the tower itself.

“It is on a plateau with good views up and down the coast. The tower is there now but there may be earlier remains,” said Clive.

Already the diggers have uncovered the outer wall and floor levels of an 18th century mansion which was attached to the north side of the tower.

(Image: Handout)

Field walking in the area has also recovered pottery up to 2,000 years old together with significant numbers of flints believed to be about 6,000 years old.

The Cresswell Community Archaeology Project will hold a public open day on Sunday from 11am to 3pm.

The event will take place at Cresswell village hall where finds will be on display and visitors can also view the excavation trenches.

Barry said: “All of this has only been possible due to the incredibly hard working volunteers who have been working in appalling weather conditions. They have been very stoical and have worked like Trojans.”

Clive said: “We have a fantastic team here who have been working in snow, rain and wind. They have been absolutely magnificent.”

(Image: Handout)

The tower, which is grade-II star listed and a scheduled ancient monument, was built by the Cresswell family.

It is one of about 175 recorded pele towers in a Northumberland which endured centuries of warfare and lawlessness.

The dig is part of a scheme to rescue the roofless tower, which is on Historic England’s At Risk register, and turn it into a free visitor attraction run by a newly-formed Friends group.

The scheme has been backed by a £93,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with Northumberland County Council adding a further £6,000.