ARTEFACTS recovered from Newport's historic ship could soon go on display.

While archaeologists lifted the timbers of the med-ieval ship, found preserved in mud in the banks of the River Usk, they found items of Port-uguese pottery, leather shoes and rope.

The artefacts have to be preserved but it is hoped the public will be able to view them soon at Newport museum.

The Gwent and Glamorgan Archaeology Trust have been carrying out removal and restoration work at the site since September, removing the ship timber by timber for conservation.

The ship was discovered when work began on the city's new theatre and arts centre.

The National Assembly and Welsh historic monuments body Cadw gave £3.5 million towards preserving the ship so that it can be displayed under a glass floor at the new centre.

A Newport council spokeswoman said work is set to reach a crucial stage next week as the ship's keel is due to be recovered - depending on the weather and progress with removing other timbers.

Those are in danger of deterioration as they are removed from the protective mud and exposed to the air, so they are being moved as quickly as possible to giant water tanks at the Corus site at Llanwern, to protect them.

A viewing platform at the site will remain open as the work continues.

Thousands of people have already visited the site since September, as the find caught the public's imagination world-wide.

Once work on the basement at the theatre and arts centre has been completed, the public will be able to view the assembled ship close to its original resting place.

Visitors will be able to learn about the vessel from a new, hi-tech interpretation gallery which will show how the ship looked in its day and operated.

PICTURE: The remains of the 17th century ship found on the new theatre and arts centre building site