Remains of an Iron Age settlement have been found by workers laying a new water pipeline.

South East Water made the discovery at Shadoxhurst while preparing to lay the final section of a large new pipeline from Bewl Reservoir.

Construction work was temporarily halted to allow a team of archaeologists to investigate and record and preserve the finds.

They include evidence of postholes of an Iron Age roundhouse, five buried cremation urns and a large amount of pottery.

Tim Allen, from Kent Archaeological Projects, said: “Although the east of Kent has a rich Iron Age history there has been little evidence previously in this area of the Weald.”

South East Water is currently completing the final section of the £24million pipeline. The 35km long, 20in diameter main will supply water to customers across the Weald and mid-Kent area, as well as to new homes planned in Ashford.