A SKELETON found in a Fairford river by two young boys could be placed on display at a Cirencester museum.

In July Farmor’s School pupils Christian Thompson and Robbie Cribley discovered an ancient skull as they paddled down the River Coln in their dinghy. A whole skeleton was later unearthed.

This week they spoke of their delight that their historic find could be on display in Cirencester’s award-winning Corinium Museum.

The students found themselves at the centre of media attention after the Standard broke the story and while filming with a BBC news crew, they stumbled across the rest of the skeleton.

Police cordoned off the area and recovered nearly all of the bones which were then sent to be examined by a forensic anthropologist.

Tests suggested the skeleton was a Sub-Saharan woman aged 18-24 and that the bones dated back to some time between 896AD and 1025AD.

Now, it there are high hopes the body’s final resting place will be on display at the Corinium Museum.

Corinium Museum curator Amanda Hart said: “Although at this stage nothing has been confirmed, we hope that the Corinium Museum will be the final destination for the skeleton as it is a very exciting find.”

The news has delighted the boys and their families as it had earlier been suggested the remains would be sent to a university for further tests.

“I’m amazed,” said Christian when he heard his discovery was possibly staying in the area. “I can’t wait to go and see it.”

Robbie was just as astounded. “I’m just shocked that it could be in our local museum,” he said. “I was really hoping it would stay nearby.”

Christian’s mum Marie said it was lovely news.

“I didn’t know what would happen to it but I would be so pleased if it stays local,” she said.

“It’s a bit of history and something the boys can say they found. It’s a lovely ending place.”