Stonehenge scan reveals more about world famous site

Scientists have discovered hidden monuments underneath one of the world's most famous sites - Stonehenge.

Using special equipment to scan below the Earth's surface experts were able to find evidence of seventeen previously unknown wooden or stone structures.

The results suggest Stonehenge - which is 5,000 years old - did not stand alone.

Scientists think the newly discovered sites were related to Stonehenge.

One big surprise the research found was traces of up to 60 huge stones or pillars - part of an ancient "super henge", about 1.5km wide.

Picture showing the hidden monuments revealed when the ground around Stonehenge was scanned

Stonehenge

• It is a circle of massive stones, on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, in the south west of England.

• No-one knows exactly why is was built but there is a link to the sun's movements during the year and there are burial sites nearby.

• It is thought to have been built in prehistoric times, with the stones being put up about 2,500 BC.

• People go to the site at certain times of year, during the summer and winter solstices, when the sun lines up with gaps in the stones.