NEWPORT'S own Mary Rose has been found at the building site of the city's new arts centre, the Argus can reveal.

The astounding find - potentially of national and international importance - was first thought to be an old jetty.

But it is now known to be the remains of a 17th century ship - and the discovery is being hailed as Newport's answer to Henry VIII's Tudor flagship, the Mary Rose.

Newport council says the discovery has so far cost £250,000 in stoppage time on the multi-million pound site.

It is likely more costs will follow and further delays to completing the centre. Newport council said the importance of the find was concealed so a "proper assessment" could be made.

After the jetty theory was discarded, experts agreed it was probably a boat. But as excavations progressed it became obvious that a full-sized ship was being freed from its muddy tomb of four-and-a-half centuries.

Excavation is being carried out by the Gwent and Glamorgan Archaeological Trust. One source told the Argus: "We are not talking about a boat here. We are talking about an ocean-going ship.

"They were digging the orchestra pit and went right through the hull. "The clinker-built ship is about 80 feet long, probably from around the post-mediaeval era and could be compared with the famous Mary Rose.

"A shoe has been found and also some woollen material which has been preserved in the mud. A find like this is very, very rare indeed."

Trade between South Wales and Spain in the 16th and 17th centuries is a matter of historical record but what is already being dubbed 'Newport's Mary Rose' is the first significant find relating to it.

Fragments of Spanish pottery have been found in the oak-timbered hull. Cloth, leather and pottery finds will assist archaeologists in dating the ship.

Newport City Council said the remains were "consistent with the late 1600s". A spokeswoman said: "This find is potentially of national and international importance and there is no parallel ship to compare this discovery with in the whole of the UK. "The archaeologists have now requested additional time for excavation and recording work to take place which will mean further disruption to construction of the arts centre and theatre." The council is exploring possible funding sources so the archaeological work can continue.

*PICTURED: Newport museums and heritage officer Ron Inglis inspects the timbers.