More than 35,000 archaeological artefacts were uncovered in Britain in 2000, leading to the discovery of several important heritage sites, it has been announced. According to the Portable Antiquities Report, published by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport yesterday, 37, 518 archaeological objects were reported, while an Anglo-Saxon cemetery in Hampshire and a post-Medieval kiln site in Dorset were among the major discoveries. Resource, the council for museums, archives and libraries, said the report highlighted the success of the bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund to extend the scheme UK-wide from 2003. Arts Minister Tessa Blackstone said the scheme continued to be a success since its inception in 1997. 'The country’s archaeology is its hidden heritage, providing a priceless and irreplaceable record of the culture and social history of this island,' she said. A new website has also been launched today to provide online access to the report’s findings. The online database is said to hold about 30,000 finds recorded by the Portable Antiquities scheme, according to Resource. Anna Southall, Resource Chief Executive, said the site provides information about the scheme and aims to involve people in archaeology, adding the site features a showcase of unusual and interesting pieces, and regional news pages for people to access information on discoveries in their localities. Portable Antiquities Website:www.finds.org.uk