CAMPAIGNERS have won the battle to stop a historic Roman site being covered over.

Archaeological groups had attacked plans to build a new school sports pitch over Iron Age and Roman remains found on Portland.

Workmen preparing a new all-weather playing surface on fields opposite Royal Manor Arts College had called in experts after discovering the remains of a Roman building and related artefacts. Historians feared the remains would be lost forever if the planned sports field went ahead.

Now Dorset County Council has decided to move the pitch to a new location nearby on the county council-owned field, so a full excavation can go ahead.

Association for Portland Archaeology director Susann Palmer said she was delighted at the county council cabinet's decision. "I'm pleased common sense has prevailed," she said.

"Moving the pitch so a full excavation can take place is a good compromise for all concerned because it allows the site to be preserved and the school to get its pitch."

Mrs Palmer said she hoped to create a community project at the site, allowing people to get involved with the excavation.

Councillors backed a suggestion by county environmental services chief Miles Butler to relocate the pitch.

He told members the relocation would add around £60,000 on the £200,000 project and also need a fresh planning application.

Ward councillor Les Ames told cabinet members: "There is a desperate need for a new sports pitch at the school, while we also need to save what we can. Relocating the pitch would be the best option."

Coun Hillary Cox added: "Moving the pitch would give the best of both worlds - ancient and modern."

Council leader Tim Palmer said allowing full excavation of the remains was the 'sensible way forward'.