EXPERTS at an archaelogical dig near Hereford say reports they have found an ancient gladiator are inaccurate.

A local radio station has this morning stated that a female warrior had been unearthed during the dig at Credenhill.

But Robin Jackson, of the Worcestershire Historic Environment and Archaeology Service, said the body was merely of a woman of "considerable stature" representing a lifetime of hard work.

She was found next to a pot and what is believed to be a joint of meat to prepare her for the afterlife.

The body was found at a Roman suburb dating back to around the 2nd or 3rd century AD.

The dig is being held ahead of the Edgar Street Grid-backed construction of a flood culvert taking excess water off the Yazor Brook.

For a full report, see next week's Hereford Times.