Medieval pottery and a belt buckle were among the items unearthed during a two-day dig at Queenborough Castle on Friday and Saturday.

It was the first project at the site – known locally as the Welly Bank – since Channel 4’s Time Team came to town in 2005.

Led by Kent County Council (KCC) community archaeologist, Andrew Mayfield, 17 enthusiasts – including residents and members of local archaeological groups – dug eight test pits.

As well as the pottery – dating from the castle’s 300-year lifetime – they found animal bones, oyster shells and old wall stones.

A more recent find, probably from the last 100 years, was a small slate pencil – a relic from the school which once stood on the neighbouring Castle Connections site.

It is hoped once cleaned and examined by experts, the items will go on display early next year at Castle Connections while trees will be planted later this year in the eight beds as part of the Queenborough Castle Project.

The project, run by KCC, Swale council and the Heritage Lottery Fund, aims to bring the castle back to life and give a better understanding of how it once looked.

Bulbs will be planted where the castle walls once stood and its gateways are to be marked by new entrances and trees.

Mr Mayfield was delighted with the results. He said: “It was brilliant. Considering we only dug eight test pits, we had a nice range of finds which add to the history of the castle and our understanding of the structure itself.

"It was a very interesting and enjoyable two days.”

The circular castle was built in about 1360 and demolished in 1650.

It was said to be 200 years ahead of its time with four gatehouses defended by cannon.