ROMAN pottery has been found in Lawford giving evidence of a settlement in the area.

A kiln and hoards of pottery have been found at the site of the new Summer's Park development in Lawford during a pre-build dig.

The Colchester Archaeological Trust has spent four weeks excavating sections of a field off Cox's Hill before Rose Builders starts work on a 150 home estate.

It is thought to be the first time evidence of a settlement has been discovered but a Roman road is said to have been built between Colchester and Mistley - possibly for a ferry crossing across the River Stour.

Nigel Rayner, who has been managing the dig, said: "We found a pottery kiln with just the base left and this week we found a whole waste pot with cracks in it.

"There is loads of pottery in some of the ditches and it would suggest there would have been habitation nearby."

The artifacts will then be taken to the trust's base for cleaning.