A RARE glimpse into Bronze Age Dartmoor is to be screened on the BBC, writes Nigel Canham.

When archaeologists unearthed the contents of a burial site at Whitehorse Hill 18 months ago they had no idea they were about to find an internationally important treasure trove.

The 4,000-year-old horde included jewellery, an animal pelt and finely executed tailoring.

Tin beads also unearthed at the north moor site provided the earliest evidence of the metal's production in the South West.

Academics have described the well preserved findings as 'one of the best glimpses into life in Bronze Age southern England'.

Dr Jane Marchand, senior archaeologist with Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: 'This is a most unusual and fascinating glimpse into what an early Bronze Age grave goods assemblage on Dartmoor might have looked like when it was buried, including the personal possessions of people living on the moor around 4,000 years ago.'

On Friday, January 31 the BBC is to screen 'Whitehorse Hill: A Prehistoric Dartmoor Discovery'.

The programme will highlight the ground-breaking work by internationally renowned archaeologists as they got to grips with the discoveries and how northern Dartmoor is being reconsidered as an area of prehistoric importance.

Presenter Mike Dilger was on hand as scientists and craftspeople attempted to re-create secrets from the burial including a delicate tin-studded bracelet and yo-yo shaped ear studs — the earliest evidence of wood turning ever discovered in the country.

The cameras were also present when archaeologists revealed the contents of an intricately coiled bag that had lain unopened for four millennia.

The programme is due to be aired on BBC 1 at 7.30pm.

Original finds and replicas from the film are to become part of a display at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery from September 13 - December 13.