FRAGMENTS of ceramic pottery uncovered on the site of the Fremlin Walk shopping development in Maidstone could offer a fresh insight into county town's Roman past.

The items were discovered one metre down in a trench dug at the junction of Museum St and Earl Street.

They represent the most significant archaeological find in the area from that period for more than 70 years. The shattered fragments of pottery have been identified as black burnish wear, a common household feature 1,800 years ago.

They will help archaeologists build a clearer picture of Maidstone's humble beginnings as a small road-side Roman community.

A cobbled trackway that once ran between homes in 18th century Havock Lane was the other major find during the two week archaeological dig.

Initial checks of the site are nearing completion but archaeological experts will be keeping a watching brief as further buildings come down and foundations for the new development are laid.