Archaeologists uncover 'rare' 3500-year-old Bronze Age canoe

Archaeologists working on a site on the Caernarfon and Bontnewydd bypass have discovered what they believe is a 3500-year-old canoe.

The discovery was made within a large burnt mound, which are usually found close to water.

During the excavation, archaeologists found a large section of timber that could date back to at least 1500BC. The timber was found to be the trunk of a single oak tree which had been hollowed out. Experts believe this is likely to be a canoe.

If the timber is a canoe it is an extremely rare discovery, and the first example to be found in North West Wales. The object is currently being assessed by specialists.

An early medieval industrial site dating back to the 8th Century has also been uncovered. Although no traces of metal were found during the excavation, samples collected contained fragments known as ''hammerscale'', which are hot sparks that are produced when hot iron is struck my a hammer.

The findings have not impacted on the construction of the bypass, which is due for completion in 2021.