Bradford University academics will use 21st century technology to unlock the secrets of one of the country's foremost archaeological finds.

Gristhorpe Man, a 3,500-year-old skeleton preserved in an oak tree trunk, has arrived in the city from Scarborough's Rotunda Museum as part of a pioneering research project.

Scholars from the university's world-renowned Department of Archaeological Science will use the latest scientific techniques to discover how the early-Bronze Age man died. Honorary fellow Dr Nigel Melton will lead the research project alongside Dr Janet Montgomery and Dr Andrew Wilson.

Dr Melton said: "The thing that is absolutely fantastic about this find is the way it has been preserved. Getting him here to Bradford is a major coup.

"It was a sensation when he was discovered in the 19th century. The remains were found in July 1834 in an ancient burial mound near Griston, on Yorkshire's East Coast, by members of the Scarborough Philosophical Society.

"But what we have yet to truly discover are the grave goods found alongside the body which I think will prove unique in British archaeology."

A copper dagger, an animal-skin cloak, berries, a whalebone and a wicker basket containing food residue were found next to the body. These will now be tested in an attempt to reveal some of the secrets surrounding the find.

Bradford scholars believe Gristhorpe Man may well have been of high social status as he died in his 50s or 60s and stood more than six feet tall.

"Growing to such a height may well have been because of a relatively good diet, an indication of social standing," said Dr Melton. "He also boasts a full set of teeth in remarkable condition.

"Essentially, we will be adding modern techniques to this 19th century find.

"What they did back then was fantastic. They have actually given us the material to work on. I am terribly excited because I am originally from Scarborough. I can remember going to the museum as a boy and standing with my nose pressed against the glass looking in awe at the skeleton."

Gristhorpe Man's bones have been darkened by a reaction with the tannin in the bark of the tree and water, giving the skeleton a black appearance.

The seven-foot-long coffin is also regarded as unique by scientists as it features a carved face-like motif.

After excavating the find from its burial mound more than 150 years ago, members of the Scarborough Philosophical Society preserved it with horse glue.

This stopped the body from rotting, but also prevents today's scientists from investigating the man's DNA.

Since being unearthed, Gristhorpe Man has been exhibited in a glass display case at Scarborough's Rotunda Museum.

He will now enjoy a two-year sojourn in Bradford while the museum undergoes a £3million redevelopment. Archaeology students at the university will be given the opportunity to work on the project.

Project co-ordinator Dr Timothy Taylor said he hoped research may provide some indication of where Gristhorpe Man originally came from.

"Although this man was found in East Yorkshire, the method of burying individuals in a tree trunk is something we find in Scandinavia and as far east as Armenia," said Dr Taylor.

"People in this period were travelling throughout Europe and using common practises."