Some of the artefacts recently uncovered at an ancient Viking burial site in Cumbria have today been on display at the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle.

The site was discovered by amateur archaeologist Peter Adams at Cumwhitton and included the bodies of six Vikings and a collection of swords, spears, jewellery, fire making materials and riding equipment.

Adams, who found the site using a metal detector, reported the find to the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) which resulted in the thorough excavation of the site.

Believed to date back to the 10th century, the site’s excavation process was then taken over by English Heritage which worked in partnership with Oxford Archaeology North.

Sir Neil Cossons, chair of English Heritage, said: “We have been proud to support this momentous discovery by funding the archaeological dig.

Following today's viewing, the artefacts will be returned to English Heritage for study and conservation, but will be back on display in Tullie House in 2007.

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery was established in 1893 and houses collections of fine and decorative art, human history and natural sciences.