ONE of the UK’s oldest residents is coming back to Herefordshire thanks to a team of county archaeologists.

The remains of Lucius – a Roman civilian found near Ashperton in summer 2007 – should go on show in Hereford later this year.

A complete wooden coffin containing the body was discovered by Leominsterbased Border Archaeology during a four-month dig at Stretton Grandison.

The coffin was only the third to be found in the UK, while 19 bodies and other amazing relics dating to neolithic times were also discovered.

Lucius died around 1,800 years ago and is currently being preserved at Durham University. However, the 46- year-old should make a homecoming this summer, as Herefordshire Council Museum Service wants to put the body on display.

Neil Shurety, Border Archaeology managing director, called the find “amazing” and said the body should be returned within the next few months.

A book has also been planned, while Border Archaeology hopes to display the Ashperton finds at a county venue in the near future.