DNA tests which could link 1,000-year-old skeletons found in Addingham to modern-day villagers may have to be put on ice due to a lack of funding.

Last month, the Telegraph & Argus reported how archaeologists had unearthed 14 Anglo-Saxon skeletons near St Peter's Church at a site where a church hall extension was being built.

At the time the church said it would like to raise the money to enable scientists to carry out experimental DNA testing on the bones.

If the testing proved successful, villagers could eventually be asked to give their DNA samples to see if they are related to Addingham's ancient inhabitants.

But Ian Hepworth, treasurer of St Peter's, said nobody had come forward offering to fund the experiment, adding that he thought it was now unlikely the testing would go ahead in the near future.

He said: "It was all a bit speculative but we are mildly disappointed nobody's come forward as we thought it would be exciting to find out whether there are those around who are actually descended from these people.

"We'll probably be approaching people for funding in due course but at the moment we're busy with the church hall extension so it's not our top priority. If someone did come forward and offer to fund the tests we'd be delighted to hear from them.''

Following the West Yorkshire Archaeological Service find the bones have been taken off site so scientists at Bradford University can carry out tests to determine the skeletons' age and sex and, if possible, how they died.

Once the tests are completed, the remains, which are thought to date from between the 7th and 10th centuries, will be reburied in consecrated ground.

But Mr Hepworth said now the church hall extension had been built the skeletons would have to be found a new resting place within the churchyard at St Peter's.

And he added that the remains would be buried in a place which would be easily accessible in the event of scientists wanting to recover them to carry out DNA testing or an as yet undiscovered scientific process in the future.

lIt is hoped the £100,000 church hall extension - the result of 20 years of planning and fundraising - will be ready in early February.

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