A 'one of a kind' exhibition that will showcase incredible finds from excavations at the Roman site of Silchester - five decades on from the start of the archaeological dig - is coming to Andover.

The new exhibition began its tour at the Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery in Basingstoke on Saturday, February 10, and will close on Sunday, April 28.

It has now been announced that it will be coming to Andover Museum on Friday, September 6 to Sunday, November 24 as part of a tour following its debut.

Michael Fulford, a professor of archaeology at the University of Reading has been involved in the dig for around 50 years.

READ MORE: Vernham Dean: Flooding investigations to take place

He previously said: "The exhibition here captures some of the finds from the excavations from within the town and gives you an idea of how that life changed from the Iron Age right the way through to the abandonment of the town.

"There are pieces which pick up on particular aspects of the life which might be the trade of the Iron Age, the development of medicine in the town, the life of the animals."

He said it is the first to ever be held in Hampshire.

He said his favourite finds include some of the medical instruments found and the classic Roman dishes for mixing and preparing food

Among the 150 objects on display will be terracotta floor tiles which still retain the footprints of dogs, weasels, birds and children from when they were left out to dry, a huge Roman grain storage jar which will be on display for the first time since undergoing major restoration, exquisite examples of carved gemstones and a Roman roof tile with a Nero stamp on it.

SEE ALSO: Ashbourne Court Care Home enjoy day of fun activities

Andover Advertiser: Michael Fulford, a professor of archaeology at the University of Reading Michael Fulford, a professor of archaeology at the University of Reading  (Image: Newsquest)

Alongside will be a behind-the-scenes look at an archaeological dig that, 50 years on, is still revealing the secrets of the people of Silchester.

Alongside their trade skill, visitors will discover how adept they were at metal work, with chariot fittings and a smithy uncovered during the dig.

Other discoveries give a more emotive insight into Iron Age life: these include the skeleton of what is thought to be the first lap dog in Britain, imported from across the Channel.