BONES dating back at least a century have been uncovered during excavations for a scheme to create vehicular access to Dulverton's All Saints Church and turn part of the graveyard into an amenity area.

The remains of between four and six skeletons were disturbed as contractors dug a trench for a pipeline to a new oil tank at the back of the church.

The new access - aimed at making it easier for disabled and elderly people, as well as hearses to reach the Grade Two* listed church - won approval from Exmoor National Park's planning committee earlier this year, despite a recommendation from officers to refuse it.

It sparked controversy when it was first unveiled more than a year ago, with some objectors insisting that the work would undoubtedly disturb graves, possibly those of vagrants, paupers or stillborn children.

But although church leaders admitted no-one would know for certain what would be found until work was underway, they believed the likelihood of disturbing any remains was remote.

National park archaeologist Jessica Turner, who has been providing technical advice during the excavations, was at the site when the first of the bones was unearthed close to the west door of the church.

A national park spokesman said all the bones found had been recorded and stored under the alter in the Grade Two* listed church.

Church treasurer Ivan Gunn told the Free Press on Wednesday that the bones had been found during the previous seven days.

He said the graves were unmarked and the identity of the skeletons was not known but they were discovered under a path that had been laid in Victorian times.

"I believe they are more than 100 years old but we have been told they are certainly not 800 years old," said Mr Gunn.

He said a simple service of reburial had taken place on Wednesday, conducted by Exmoor's Rural Dean and vicar of Dulverton Preb John Thorogood.

The bones were not reinterred exactly where they were found but "close by" in the churchyard that has officially been closed for burials for a number of years.

Mr Gunn said the excavations for the oil pipe trench - into which a timebox containing a wealth of local information has been placed - had been deeper than those for the vehicular access.

"We are not expecting to come across any more remains - we think it would be very unlikely," he said.

But Cllr Mike Gammon, who represents the town on West Somerset Council, said it was obvious that graves would be disturbed during the work.

"I warned from the very beginning that this would happen and it was one of the reasons I was so against this work being carried out.

"I think it's absolutely disgusting. I've buried my pets in my garden and I wouldn't dream of digging up any part of the area where they are - and that's only animals.

"I think it's totally wrong that these remains have been split and are now buried in different places - these were Dulverton people and they deserve to be treated with respect."

The £75,000 scheme, which will also see a new disabled access created and part of the churchyard turned into a wildlife garden, has attracted £50,000 of grant aid.

Mr Gunn said thousands of bulbs would be planted in the next few weeks and by 2011 the area would look stunning.

He said he wanted to reassure people that no soil was being removed from the churchyard and that the work was being undertaken very sympathetically by the contractors, South Molton-based H.N Blackmore and Sons.

"They have been totally professional and the national park archaeologist has also been terrific and extremely helpful.

"She has been on site while this work has been carried out and we are doing everything in accordance with her advice."