Maidstone Museum's role in the discovery of a mummified human foetus, which was thought to be a hawk, has been screened to the nation.

The museum's collection of mummified remains were CT-Scanned and these scans were then studied by specialists from all over the world.

The remains and findings were part of the museum's Ancient Lives project and were displayed in a 2017 exhibition in the County Town.

But, the discovery of a mummified 23-28 week gestation male foetus with a severe skull defect during the project has been recalled in the first episode of a Channel 5 series.

The remains were thought to have been that of a hawk after it was misidentified upon arriving at the museum possibly more than a century ago.

The foetus dates back to 300 BC and was held in decorative plaster coffin, with details such as tiny painted sandals.

Egypt's Great Mummies aired last night and is presented by Bettany Hughes.

Samantha Harris, collections manager at the museum, said: "It is fantastic that Maidstone Museum’s mummy was chosen to feature as part of this series and highlights the amazing artefacts we have in Maidstone.

“It was really fascinating to be able to take part in the programme which gave us the opportunity to showcase some of the findings from international research which took place over previous years as part of the museum’s award shortlisted Ancient Lives gallery reinterpretation project."

The episode was filmed more than a year ago now before Covid-19 restrictions.

To watch the programme on demand, click here.

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