EVIDENCE of a possible underfloor heating system were among the discoveries at a Roman fort in Tebay.

Hundreds of visitors flocked to an open day at Low Borrowbridge Farm in the Lune Gorge to discover what members of the Lunesdale Archaeology Society would find.

Coins and ceramics were recovered, as well as an underfloor heating system which could have warmed the floors of a bathhouse at the fort.

The archaeologists will now spend the next few months writing and deliberating over their notes to ascertain the true nature of their finds.

Annie Hamilton-Gibney, who has managed the project through the charity ACTion with Communities in Cumbria, said: “We were absolutely delighted with what we found - the buildings were fascinating.

“We have lots of things to mull over and get our heads around.”

Joseph Jackson, site director, dressed in a Roman soldier costume to tell locals about the history of the area.

Mrs Hamilton-Gibney hoped that people got an idea of the importance of the fort, which the group believed helped control trade and movement between the mountains around 2,000 years ago.

“We were unravelling the history of the area and the importance of the location, so it gave people the chance to explore the heritage of the area,” said Mrs Hamilton-Gibney.

She also said that she would love the opportunity for a further dig in the future to find out more about the building and its use.