Oldest Egyptian pyramid saved

The oldest pyramid of Egypt has been saved from collapse through use of large airbags which have been used to prop up the ceilings.The 4,700-year-old pyramid has been stabilised so engineers can carry out permanent repairs.

The huge structure was built as a burial place for Pharaoh Djoser, a warrior who reigned in the third dynasty for 19 years but has been damaged in an earthquake.

The historic pyramid was feared to be so unstable that no-one has taken on the challenge of securing it in the last 19 years. Peter James, a former Royal Navy lieutenant-commander who served in the Falklands War, has won a £1.8million contract to carry out the repairs.