A WIRRAL archaeologist has un-earthed a bridge believed to be from the Viking era.

The discovery was originally made last summer when engineers began construction on the new by-pass at Saughall Massie.

Since then independent landscape archaeologist Jenny Whaley, of Irby, has led the exploration. It is believed that the bridge dates back as far as 400 AD when the area was occupied by a Viking settlement.

The crossing, found underneath the by-pass, appears to have been made from timber, measuring approx-imately 15ft in diameter. It is thought that the bridge may have been used for trading purposes.

Mrs Whaley said: "This may be the most important discovery since the 19th Century Roman bridge was found in Birkenhead. This truly is amazing."

Archaeological group English Heritage has financed the project, backed by Wirral council, along with the support of Liverpool Museum.

The bridge though was not the only remnant found by Mrs Whaley. Bones belonging to several animals, includ-ing cows and horses, were also discovered at the site. Sue Stalibrash, a scientific advisor of English Heritage, said the assemblage of the bones was amongst the best found in the Northwest.

Parts of the bridge and bone samples will now be taken to Liverpool Museum where they will be analysed and preserved.

The dig will not interrupt plans for the by-pass's completion in three weeks' time.