Archaeologists at the site near Lincoln have unearthed an extremely rare wooden bowl and a stone tablet.

About 20 people have been digging at the site since November and have uncovered more than 10,000 items.

The site is located on a major flood bank strengthening scheme on the River Witham near Washingborough.

We have uncovered a wooden bowl that is as thin as glass and beautifully made Mark Allen, Preconstruct Archaeology

Environment Agency consultant Peter Senior said: "The level of preservation of timber is absolutely amazing.

"We are led to believe that this is a site of European importance."

Mark Allen from Preconstruct Archaeology said the items probably date from 800 to 1,000 BC.

"We have uncovered a wooden bowl that is as thin as glass and beautifully made.

"We also found a small stone tablet with circles that is mould for smelting metal.

"The tin or gold would be used to make rivets for decorative purposes - possibly on knife handles.

"We have known about the site since the 1970s - when the pumping station was built.

"Workmen called in the museum when they found bones and the researchers found late Bronze Age to early Iron Age pottery."