THE more that is discovered about the Newport Ship, the clearer it becomes that this city has an historical treasure on its hands.

As we report today, new analysis of loose timbers found within the wrecked ship when it was discovered in 2002 suggest it was much taller than originally thought and capable of far longer voyages.

Indeed, experts now believe the 15th century ship was 110ft long with three masts, twin decks and capable of transatlantic crossings.

Analysts believe the picture of the ship they have now been able to create is the most accurate they will ever have.

There are still some foolish people who believe the ship to be little more than a pile of old timbers.

Thankfully, they are in a tiny minority.

The ship is a bona fide historical discovery that, as we have said many times, deserves a permanent place in Newport's future.

Public finances are tight and the ship is years away from being re-assembled, but there needs to be a greater political will to secure funds from other sources so the ship can become tourism focal point for the city.

Campaigners, including this newspaper, had to fight to get the ship pulled from its watery grave when the Riverfront theatre was being built.

It is a fight that will not be over until the ship is on permanent display in Newport.