The remains of a medieval ship discovered in south Wales are opening to the public for the last time before they are removed from the site to undergo conservation work.

Archaeologists will begin work to take the ancient boat, which is older than the Mary Rose, away from the banks of the river Usk in Newport on Monday.

Excavation work at the site will continue

But on Sunday, people can visit the site between 1000 and 1600 BST.

The ship was discovered during construction work on a new theatre and arts centre in June.

Following doubts over whether it would be saved, the Welsh Assembly promised up to �3m to save the ship after local people mounted a high-profile campaign, which was supported by leading actor Sir Anthony Hopkins.

Building work on the arts centre has been delayed while the timbers from the 65ft unnamed ocean-going vessel were found.

The priority of the archaeologists is now to remove the ship to allow the contractors to continue work.

The timbers will be taken from the mud to be conserved before being returned to the new centre where it will be put back on public display.

Costly project

Around 12,000 people visited the ship during the previous two open days and Newport council is again expecting a good response.

The ship has been tree-ring dated and experts have said it was made from an oak tree felled between September 1465 and April 1466.

The site has attracted international interest

Plans are now being drawn up for a 280 sq metre basement under the ground floor gallery and main foyer of the new arts centre.

Visitors will be able to see it through a glass floor, and there will also be a viewing gallery on the lower level.

The exact costs of the project have not yet been finalised but it is expected to cost �1.3m for the construction of the site and �131,000 to raise the ship.

A further �470,000 is thought to be needed for analysis once excavation is completed and �1.5m to treat the timbers.