THE archaeological dig which put Carlisle on the 'international map' has been extended until July after some remarkable findings. 

The excavation at Carlisle cricket club made headlines when two 'priceless' Roman head sculptures were unearthed in May. 

Nearly 700 members have joined the dig in the hopes of making another groundbreaking discovery, while a similar number of local children have also visited the site to learn more. 

It has now been confirmed that the dig has been extended until July 1 and lead archaeologist Frank Gieco is hoping to find out more about the Roman bathhouse. 

He said: "We know when it was built and we’ve got some very good ideas but it would be great to find another dedication inscription to find exactly who built it.

"This site has surprises all the time. We have still got two-and-a-bit weeks to go. So, who knows?"

Although the sculptures, which are around three times the size of a human head, were first thought to be depictions of gods, Gieco suggests that they may have actually been theatre masks.

However, Carlisle locals can rest assured that the sculptures will return to Cumbria after being sent away for analysis.

Gieco said: "Long-term, they will certainly go on display somewhere in Carlisle. We have still got to do a lot of work on them but they will definitely stay in Carlisle.

"It’s the where and when they go on display, not the if. I hope to put them on display next year in a temporary exhibition.

"It’s wonderful for Carlisle. That’s another key thing to get out of this story. It’s putting Carlisle on the international map."

The recent weather has made things difficult for the team, as the ground has been 'baked like concrete,' but Gieco's excitement about the project is unwavering. 

He said: “It’s incredible. It becomes all-consuming and takes over your life. The site is incredible and there’s a really lovely community that we’re under.

“I wouldn’t put a price on a unique Roman sculpture. To me it’s priceless. It’s a lump of stone to some people but to us archaeologists, it’s incredible.

"Archaeologists don’t like talking about things in the value of money because then you’re no better than treasure hunters. It’s the story something gives you that gets us excited.

"We love pretty things but that’s just part of the story. It’s what the pretty thing can tell you.”