The bodies of Sussex soldiers from the First World War have been unearthed almost 90 years after their deaths.

Three of the six soldiers found in trenches by archaeologists in Belgium are believed to be from the Royal Sussex regiment.

A network of First World War trenches was found beneath a Flanders sugar beet field.

The Royal Sussex link was established because of buttons three of the soldiers were wearing.

One of the other soldiers is believed to be a Private Storey, of the Fifth Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers.

He is believed to have been killed during the third battle of Ypres in October 1917.

All six bodies were found in shell holes, having fallen and been buried by earth from later explosions.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said any bodies would be buried with full military honours.

He said: "Each year around 60 bodies of First World War soldiers of all nationalities are found in the old battlefields.

"In 99 per cent of cases it is not possible to identify them."

The site was excavated ahead of work on a proposed motorway extension nearby.