Archaeologists have discovered coins, a brooch and a ditch dating back to Roman times, which they believe suggests a significant settlement in the area.

The finds were made during extensive archaeological surveys which are always done before any work is carried out on untested land.

The team dug a number of trenches based on the results of the metal detection and electronic imaging surveys.

Will Walker, head of Earthworks Archeological Services, which carried out the survey said: "This find is another piece of the jigsaw relating to when the Romans were in Cheshire.

"We believe that this is the very edge of a large Roman settlement but we won't be investigating further. It's the policy these days to leave artefacts where they are."

He added: "We shall submit our findings to Cheshire County Council should anyone else wish to develop land.

The two most significant finds were a brooch, which was discovered by Great Budworth and the Roman ditch which revealed pottery fragments suggesting that it was dug sometime during the third or fourth century.

More than 19 coins were scattered along the line. One is a shilling from the reign of William the Second

Northwich historian Colin Lynch said: "It doesn't surprise me. The old Roman road used to run through Lostock and by Great Budworth."

During the 1960s a Roman helmet and pieces of sandals were among items found in Castle and Winnington.

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