Archaeologists in central Switzerland say they have discovered the oldest insole in the world. Made of moss, it is believed to have been part of a man's footwear some 5,200 years ago.

The archaeology unit of Canton Zug said the insole was found last year during excavations of a Neolithic settlement in the town of Zug, adding that it took months to identify and date the object.

Twenty-five centimetres long, the archaeologists said it was made for a leather shoe which today would be size 38 (US men's size six).

They said they were amazed that a thin piece of moss had survived for so long.

swissinfo with agencies

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