A MEDIEVAL gold ring has been discovered in a North Yorkshire field by a farm-worker with a metal detector.
Christian Smith, from Grimethorpe, near Barnsley, found the artefact while surveying a field by Whorlton, near Stokesley.
It was found in April 2011 and was not originally reported to the authorities as it was not thought to be of any value.
However when its age and composition became clear the find was reported and an inquest into the discovery was held in Northallerton today (Wednesday, March 13).
Coroner Michael Oakley said experts from the British Museum had examined the find and found it to be an early medieval, Viking, finger ring dating from the late ninth or tenth century.
He declared the item, found on land owned by Steven Dawson, was treasure.
More Stokesley News
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here