A WEALTH of finds dating back to medieval times in Scarborough have been unearthed in the old town area.

The remains of a 15th century town house or friary have been found in Springfield, one of the oldest parts of the 1000-year-old town.

Archaeologists have been working against the clock to dig the site, which is due to be redeveloped, with five homes being built, said Martin Stephens, who is leading the excavation.

Commenting on the find, he said: "It would have been a very impressive building before it was demolished."

Members of Scarborough Archaeological and Historical Society have dug trenches in the past four years on the site and Daytona, the developer, was told it would only be allowed to build on the site if it allowed a study to be made of the archaeological remains.

Updated: 09:30 Wednesday, September 18, 2002