Archaelogists have discovered what they believe are medieval floor tiles at the site of a former Red Cross ambulance base in Northumberland.

A team from Durham-based Pre-Construct Archaeology have been working at the site on St Helen's Street, Corbridge, all week.

The area has been earmarked by Anvil Homes for a development of up to six homes but before a planning application can be submitted, Northumberland county archaeologist Sara Ruston ordered test excavation to be carried out.

In among flagstones and cobbles dating back to the 18th Century, lead archaeologist on the site Jenny Proctor believes they have also found a number of medieval tiles.

And yesterday they discovered what is believed to be a medieval ditch and wall in a third trench. Jenny said: "This area is at the core of medieval Corbridge so what we have found is not a surprise, but it is very interesting.

"We have looked back at maps and have found there was a building on this site in the 1840s and have found some of its structural remains.

"The flagstones would have been made from whatever material was available at the time and within them are four medieval floor tiles. The pit at the back of the site is also interesting as we don't know what the wall was for. At first I thought it could be a medieval cesspit."

The team now has to write a report to Northumberland County Council's archaeological department before any planning application is submitted.

An Anvil Homes spokesman said plans were at an early stage and the company did not wish to comment.