THE skeleton of a man, which was uncovered in Wherwell, dates from the Roman period.

The remains were excavated by professional archaeologists after it was revealed during routine clearance of undergrowth.

Those doing the work say they don't usually give the individuals they find names, but because this one was found in the grounds of the Home Guard club it might well become known as Mr Mainwaring, after the famous bumbler portrayed by Arthur Lowe, in the television series Dad's Army.

Jacqueline McKinley, from Wessex Archaeology, said: "The body is of a male aged probably between 35 and 45 and around 5ft 8ins tall.

"Most people from those times died of infectious diseases.

"There is a record of three graves being found in this area when the railway line was constructed and it could be a Christian burial."

The Roman evidence comes from the coffin nails found around the body, which is in very good repair considering its age, and has a good set of teeth.

"There was no sugar in the diet then," explained the archaeologist.

The body was buried in an area which was to house a railway cutting 1,500 years later and became visible when undergrowth was uncovered.

After researchers have carried out all the necessary tests the body will be housed at Andover Museum.