A RARE skeleton of a 4,000 year old child has been found by University of Reading archaeologists.

Found within a trench in the Vale of Pewsey, Wiltshire, the body is roughly 1.5 metres in length and was found in the foetal position, wearing an amber necklace.

Archaeologists found the skeleton as part of a three-year dig of the area, with the intention of understanding why people previously went to and worshipped at Stonehenge.

During this first year at Marden and Wilsford Henge they have found a Roman brooch, worked flint arrowheads and copper bracelets.

Dr Jim Leary, Director of the Archaeology Field School and Professor at the University of Reading, said: "Finds from the first five weeks of the dig were exciting - but as so often during excavations the best is revealed last. The skeleton is a wonderful discovery which will help tell us what life was like for those who lived under the shadow of Stonehenge at a time of frenzied activity.”

It is hoped that further research will reveal the gender, age, residence and diet of the child.

The dig is a collaboration with Historic England, the Arts and Humanities Research Council and Wiltshire Museum, and excavation will continue next year.