A UNIVERSITY may acquire a Roman ring which was found in a North-East field so it can be kept in the region.
The partial gold finger ring was found by Sunderland woman Serena Wallace, on farmland near Crook on December 4 last year.
A treasure trove inquest held at Crook Coroner's Court yesterday, heard that the land was owned by farmer Roy Elliott.
It heard that Benjamin Westwood, a finds liaison officer at Durham County Council, believed the ring dated to around the 3rd Century.
Assistant Coroner Oliver Longstaff said the age and precious metal composition of the item meant it did qualify as treasure.
He said: "Interest has been expressed by Durham University interest in acquiring the ring and retaining it in this area.
"From a personal point of view, I regard this as a very good thing."
As treasure the ring is now technically owned by the Crown and will be valued before potential buyers such as a museum can acquire it.
The finder and landowner may receive a reward.
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