UP to six bodies have been discovered at an archaeological dig that is delving deeper into Suffolk’s rich past.

The Aldeburgh and District Local History Society is currently excavating at Barber’s Point, near Hazelwood Common, between Snape and Aldeburgh, overlooking the River Alde.

With the help of five professional archaeologists, volunteers have been tirelessly exploring the area, keen to unearth more about the county’s Roman and Saxon heritage.

Over the last few days they have made some remarkable discoveries – including remains for what they believe could be up to be six bodies.

The finds have fuelled speculation that the area may have been used as a graveyard and that the site was once home to a Saxon church or chapel.

The area used to be an island and overlooks St Botolph Church, in Iken, and experts believe it could have been a small monastic community on the River Alde – similar to Lindisfarne, in Northumberland.

Although the most recent finds have not yet been carbon dated, previous excavations discovered two bodies, one dating from around 750AD. Tony Bone, chairman of the Aldeburgh and District Local History Society, said: “It has been very exciting over the last day or so.

“We think there could have been as many as a dozen graves here and we have found remains of what we believe to be around six bodies.

“That sort or number is really very good and it shows that it must have been a settlement of some importance.”

Other discoveries have included a Roman coin, various pieces of pottery and pieces of timber found at low tide, which could have been fish traps or jetties.

The River Alde Saxon Heritage Project has been made possible thanks to a �27,900 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Those in charge have been keen to involve the local community and around 165 schoolchildren have visited since the dig began at the end of last month.

For more details on the excavation visit www.adlhs.org.uk.