A MYSTERIOUS haul of silver wrapped in newspaper from the 1980s has been found buried in a field by a metal detecting enthusiast.

It was found near Summerhouse, near Gainford, County Durham, and after being handed into a police station, officers are keen to reunite it with its rightful owners.

The silverware, which was buried at a depth of three feet, was taped up in a black bag to protect it from the elements and the haul is said to be in reasonably good condition.

The newspaper, which was found inside relates to a UEFA football match in 1982, is the only indication as to how long the items might have been there.

The metal detecting enthusiast, from the Bishop Auckland area, made the discovery in May on only his second outing with his equipment.

PC Tony Burgess, of Durham Police, said: “It is quite a haul really. We don’t know whether it is stolen property and someone has hidden it. It might be that has someone put it there to come back for it, forgotten about it or couldn’t find where they had put it.

“It goes back about 30 years. It is not known as a common site for finds. It is a bit of a mystery.

“The silver is in relatively good condition, bearing in mind it has been in the ground for so long. It is probably of sentimental value to someone, although it is silver so it won’t be cheap.”

PC Burgess is keen to hear from anyone who thinks they might own the property or know information about who does.

Police records do not contain anything which would help solve the mystery surrounding the haul.

“Obviously someone can’t just say it belongs to them,” PC Burgess added. “We need to know if they reported it stolen, if they have an incident number or proof of ownership. Any information someone can give us would be really helpful.”

To contact PC Burgess call 101.