The world's oldest instrument has been found in a German cave, suggesting humans were piping tunes from bone and ivory flutes more than 35,000 years ago, new research has shown.

Scientists discovered remains of the instruments in a German cave once populated by some of the first modern humans to settle in Europe after leaving Africa.

The finds suggest that our oldest ancestors in Europe had a well-established musical tradition.

The most significant discovery was a complete flute made from a griffon vulture bone.