A MEDIEVAL silver ring discovered on a farmer’s field has been declared as treasure trove.

Barrie Hutchinson, who took up metal detecting more than 30 years ago, found the small silver finger ring while searching for treasure in Eastgate, near Stanhope, County Durham, last August.

A treasure inquest held at the Civic Centre in Crook today (Friday, June 12) heard the ring, which features a small repeating pattern, dated from the 13th or 14th century.

After reading a report by the British Museum, Oliver Longstaff, deputy assistant coroner for County Durham, concluded: “The age and precious metal content qualify it is a treasure in accordance with the Treasure Act 1996.”

Mr Hutchinson, of Seaton Sluice, near Whitley Bay, Northumberland, was given permission to use his metal detector on the site and said he was delighted to make the discovery.

Speaking after the inquest, he said: “This is first time I have been through the treasure process, which has been really interesting.

“I have been metal detecting for over 30 years and this is the first treasure item I have found. When I picked up the ring I knew it was at least 300-years-old.”

The ring will now be sent to the Treasure Valuation Committee to determine its value.