CONTRACTORS re-developing Worcester's High Street have unearthed tramlines that could date back as far as the late 19th century.

A horse tramway service first came into operation in 1881, but was soon replaced by electric trams, which ran until 1929 when the roads were smoothed over for easier use by cars.

Andy Walford, the city council's principal engineer for transportation, said the discovery of the lines was not a complete surprise.

"We have come across tramlines in Foregate Street and other areas," Mr Walford said.

"We knew that tramlines used to run right the way through the main city streets and were covered up over the years."

He added that the find was unlikely to cause any real delays to the felling of the 14 maple and birch trees, which began on Tuesday, May 11 as part of the £1.25m re-development of the High Street.

The trees will be replaced by pear and ash varieties.