Archaeologists are puzzled over a mystery object uncovered at The Meads, Sittingbourne.

The item, which was found during a dig of the site in 2008, was put on public display along with several other items including swords and shield bosses at the Forum Shopping Centre on Friday.

It could take months of research before the team working on the project discover what the item is.

Andrew Richardson, of the Canterbury Archaeological Trust, said: "It was found buried with a sword so it could be decorative but it doesn't necessarily mean it's associated with it.

"We've not found a parallel for it yet but it's early days.
"Two shields and two spears were also found in the grave. It is quite unusual to find two items buried with someone so it suggests they were of very high status."

The unidentified object is one of more than 2,500 artefacts found at the Anglo-Saxon burial ground with 229 graves.

In those times, people were buried fully clothed with possessions they had during their lives, which is why there is such a range of artefacts, including weapons which were found in some of the male graves and beads from the female graves.

Since the dig took place a group of local volunteers, who have been trained by experts to use microscopes and x-ray scanners, have been working alongside the trust to conserve and identify the finds.

Many of the treasures are on display in a shop at the Forum and opposite is a science lab where shoppers can see the team working on the finds.