THE skeleton of a Saxon warrior was uncovered at Salisbury Plain.

The discovery was made during an excavation at Barrow Clump, as part of Operation Nightingale - an initiative involving veterans of recent conflicts in archaeology.

The 6th century warrior had been buried with a sword in his arms and a spear by his side.

Giles Woodhouse, chief strategy officer at Wessex Archaeology, said: “As a former serviceman, archaeologist and supporter of Operation Nightingale, I have been amazed by the power of archaeology in aiding the recovery of veteran and serving wounded, injured and sick personnel, as epitomised at the long running Barrow Clump excavations on the edge of Salisbury Plain.

"The recovery of the sword from an Anglo-Saxon warrior burial by two veteran participants (Paul Ewins and Paul Barnsley) was an exciting and fitting finale – modern day veterans honouring a soldier from a bygone age whose ongoing battles have been eased by the occupational and social benefits of the project."

"The work of Richard Osgood, senior archaeologist for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, Breaking Ground Heritage and Wessex Archaeology has been instrumental in providing veterans with opportunities to engage in archaeological and heritage activity beneficial to their overall wellbeing.”

The finds will be studied further before being given to the Wiltshire Museum.