MYSTERY objects have been unearthed in the grounds of a country manor house.

Around 100 of the glass tubes were discovered by gardeners at Dyrham Park.

"What are they and why would so many be buried in a pit at a country house?" said park and garden manager Dale Dennehy.

"We would like an expert opinion. They could be important and link the house to something from the past."

The objects were found while gardeners were working on the edge of the orchard at the National Trust property.

They have been stored away while staff at the 17th century house wait for help identifying what the objects are and what they would have been used for.

Added Mr Dennehy: "They were not buried very far down and they might have been buried in a box which has since disintegrated."

He said many members of staff and volunteers had taken a guess at what they might be but no one knew for sure.

Anyone with any information on the mystery objects should contact Dyrham Park on 0117 9372501.