ARCHEOLOGY students discovered evidence of a prehistoric settlement on their college campus while taking part in a training dig.

The discovery of Neolithic period flint proves there was activity near Seevic College’s campus, in Runnymede Chase, Thundersley, some 4,000 to 5,000 years ago.

Over the past two months, the college’s archaeology department has been running its very first training excavation for students and staff to discover more about the past of the area around the campus, while also learning practical skills.

A metre square test pit was dug first by archaeology students in the first year of their A levels, and then continued by staff.

The final work was completed by Seevic College's first cohort of adult archaeologists who have recently completed a short community course in the subject at Seevic.

Jamie Spracklen, archaeology teacher at the college, said: "Although primarily designed as a training dig for our students, our objective was to hopefully discover some of the past history of the campus, and we exceeded all our expectations by finding a worked flint, dating from at least Neolithic period, 4000 to 5000 years ago.

"Even though the flint was found alongside more modern evidence, this is an exciting find, as it proves there was prehistoric activity nearby."

Mr Spracklen, who is an affiliate member of the Institute for Archaeologists and has worked at the British Museum, said students also unearthed artefacts dating back to the Victorian era.

He added: "We also found shards of Victorian pottery, evidence for burning and construction material from the very beginnings of the college in 1972.

“All this provided the trainee archaeologists working on site with a fascinating first glimpse into the possible history of the college grounds.

"Most importantly though, the dig was such a success because it enabled our students, staff and community learners to all work together to discover their past, and learn new skills, proving that Archaeology really is for everybody."

Seevic offers an A level in archaeology, with enrolment for September is now open.

For more information, visit seevic-college.ac.uk