An archaeological survey of a site in Threemilestone has revealed trenches and “foxholes” that could have been dug as practice in advance of D-Day.

The zig-zag shaped trenches are thought to have been built as an exercise for troops getting ready for the invasion of France in WWII.

The archaeological discoveries are on the site of the former Oak Tree Inn at Threemilestone which is currently being redeveloped for retail use by Walker Developments (SW) Ltd.

When this site was granted planning permission earlier this year the council's historic environment service recommended that planners add a condition requiring the developers to fund archaeological investigations.

“We know that the south coast of Cornwall played an important role in the invasion of Europe (D-Day) as a mustering and embarkation point for troops and has many physical reminders of this period” said Daniel Ratcliffe, historic environment advice team leader.

“A study of aerial photographs of the site taken in 1944, now held by our Historic Environment Record service, show extensive temporary military camps were established at Threemilestone to house invasion forces prior to D-Day.

"As a result of these findings we felt that it was important for an investigation to be carried out before the land was disturbed to ensure that any archaeological features could be recorded for the future”.

The investigation of the site carried out by professional archaeologists from CgMS and AC Archaeology, revealed a number of the zig-zag shaped trenches and shorter sausage shaped 'foxholes'.

The archaeological features are now being recorded and will be included in a report on the site which will be held by the Council's historic environment record service