SKELETONS discovered as workers built a flood defence in Upton-upon-Severn have been temporarily moved away from the town.

The bones were uncovered as excavations were carried out for the new flood defence wall at the Waterside.

The remains and artefacts have been carefully recorded and moved in accordance with a licence from the Ministry of Justice, which needs to approve the removal of human remains.

They are being assessed by Worcestershire Archaeology Service and will then be reburied in consecrated ground.

It is believed they date back to the 1850s, when there was a burial ground in the area, and experts say they will help shed some light on the town’s history and the people who lived there.

Earlier this year skeletons dating back to the middle ages were also found in Kempsey, near Worcester, during flood defence construction.

Environment Agency archaeologist Ed Wilson said: “The Environment Agency regularly carries out archaeological work during our flood defence projects. In this instance the flood defence scheme has provided an exciting opportunity to understand how Upton developed through the mediaeval and later periods.

“By examining the burials we may be able to tell the population of Upton something about their local ancestors and how the town grew over the centuries.”