IN terms of national treasures, a tiny gold loop found near one of the region's Roman forts is probably worth very little.

But it has taken almost three years and two inquest hearings for experts to solve the puzzle of the mystery object which could date as far back as two millennia.

A report from the British Museum has helped south Durham Coroner Colin Penna rule that the loop is treasure trove, and almost certainly Roman.

He will also write to the Museum asking that it should be given to Durham City museum the Old Fulling Mill, which is the first choice of finder Kimber Leach, of Meadowfield, near Durham.

The amateur archaeologist dug it up in a field near Binchester Roman Fort, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, in March 2001, during a search with the Dunelm Metal Detecting Club.

Mr Penna's ruling, based on the gold content of the loop and the place where it was discovered, means that Mr Leach cannot keep his find.

He said yesterday: "My wife will be disappointed. She wanted to wear it round her neck because it is 2,000 years old, but going to the Fulling Mill will be the next best thing because it has other items from Binchester.

"I can't understand why it has taken to long to sort out, except that the rules on treasure have changed since I made the discovery.

"Even so, I don't regret reporting the find. It was the right thing to do."

Mr Penna said: "It is very clearly treasure trove which means that the British Museum has to have it but I too would like it to go to the Fulling Mill."

Published: 02/02/02004