PEOPLE will have the chance to see Newport's own Mary Rose at special open evenings.

The events are being organised for anyone wanting to see the medieval ship, uncovered on the site of Newport's Theatre and Arts Centre.

As exclusively revealed by the Argus, the ship was found in the middle of June while contractors were excavating an area of the site for the theatre's orchestra pit. It is very well preserved and of national and international importance.

There is no parallel ship to compare this discovery within the UK - only a handful of medieval ships have ever been found in Britain.

The discovery suggests Newport was an important port in medieval times, confirming what records from the period previously suggest.

Council leader Sir Harry Jones said: "The open evenings will provide the public with the chance to see the exposed timbers of the ship, unveiled for the first time in over 500 years.

"The archaeological dig is taking place on the construction site of our new theatre and arts centre and so normally the public would not have the chance to see the work that is taking place."

He added: "The ship is magnificent and I would urge people to take the opportunity to visit the site."

Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust and Nigel Nayling, a leading archaeological boat expert, are carrying out an archaeological dig at the building site for Newport city council.

At present archaeologists are removing collapsed or dismantled decking to uncover the hull.

Important timbers from the ship will be excavated and retained although they will not go on display locally.

But the rest of the ship will be covered over once the archaeologists have finished their research.

The discovery complements finds of ancient boats from the Gwent Levels including the Roman boat from near Magor (c.280-320AD) and the earlier medieval boat rescued from the eroding foreshore at Magor Pill (1240 AD).

It also confirms the area as the most prolific source of such archaeological discoveries in Britain in recent years.

The open evenings will take place on Wednesday, August 7 and Wednesday, August 14 between 5pm-7pm.

The Theatre of Arts Centre construction site is located off Kingsway. The ship is in the middle of a construction site and it is essential that when visiting the public wear sensible shoes and clothing.