A TYPE of rock found on Mars bears remarkable similarity to the geology of Watchet, according to a team working on a complex study of the red planet.

The team from the University of Leicester and the Open University discovered that mudstones found in the Gale Crater are close to the composition of rocks in Watchet.

And it points to the likelihood that water was once present on Mars.

The discovery has delighted local tourism chiefs who say that it is yet another reason to visit the ancient port – and the wider area.