SIXTY years of research at an historic Roman site near Alston will be celebrated at a special conference this weekend.

Epiacum Roman Fort was awarded Scheduled Ancient Monument status in 1957, after archaeologists uncovered a section of the fort’s northern ramparts and the main fort wall.

Since then, a large amount of research has taken place at the site, which is believed to be the highest stone-built Roman fort in Britain.

Alston Town Hall will host an educational conference tomorrow, which will include a talk from one of the original archaeologists from the 1957 dig.

The Diamond Conference will mark the diamond jubilee of that historic excavation. It will present new analysis and insight into why the Romans placed their fort in the North Pennine hills.

Six guest speakers will talk at the conference, including Prof. Stewart Ainsworth, who is best known for his work with the Channel 4 archaeological programme, Time Team.

Elaine Edgar, director of the not-for-profit Epiacum Heritage Ltd, which runs the site, will also unveil exciting new plans for the fort.

A limited number of tickets for the conference are available from Elaine on (01434) 382080.