AN archaeological survey has begun on a site set aside for a new Worcester school.

Worcestershire County Council's archaeology team started the survey at Earl's Court Farm, Bromyard Road, this week.

The site has been earmarked for a £15m replacement for Christopher Whitehead High School.

Archaeologists are checking there is no important historical site under the area by digging an extensive series of trenches.

This work is part of the normal process followed when planning for a large development.

A desk-top survey to collate known archaeological and historical information is also being undertaken.

Attention is focusing on the possibility that there may have been some Saxon activity in the area, based on some documentary and topographic evidence.

"This is all part of the normal planning process that we are following to the letter," said Iain Paul, design and estates unit manager at the council.

"I'd like to assure residents that we are not starting to build before planning permission has been granted.

"Hopefully, the history of the site can be incorporated into the landscape interpretation of the site and be used in activities to help provide an individual character to the school."

One of the most important features on the site is a holloway, an ancient road that has eroded to form a cutting.

"If there is anything there, it would most likely be either a prehistoric or Anglo-Saxon settlement like a small village or farm," said Malcolm Atkin, the county archaeological Officer.

"The site also lies adjacent to Earl's Court Farm, which is now demolished but dates back to the medieval period and once had a moat around it.