A MAN whose hobby led to the discovery of one of the region's most exciting Roman settlements is waiting to find out if he can keep six coins found on the site.

Over a period of 12 years, metal detector enthusiast Alan Luton has unearthed a series of coins, broaches and other historical artefacts in County Durham.

The 57-year-old's findings from land near Hardwick Park, Sedgefield, along with research by local history enthusiasts, attracted expert's from Channel 4's Time Team and Durham County Council archaeologists to the site.

A three-day investigation, which was the subject of a national television programme, A View to a Kiln, broadcast in March, detected what is thought to be one of the country's first industrial estates, dating back to the 2nd Century.

Specialists working on the investigation told Mr Luton that the six coins, or siliquae, could have been from a hoard, such as an offering to a god or a private stash.

Mr Luton registered the items with the coroner and an inquest into the origin and historical significance of the pieces was opened at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court.

Coroner Colin Penna adjourned the hearing for further investigation by a coin expert and treasure valuation officer at the British Museum, in London.

If they feel the items are of real historical value, and should be on display to the general public, then the inquest will be resumed and the collection may be handed to a museum.

It is likely to be Bowes Museum, near Barnard Castle, that would acquire the coins and a national valuation committee would decide how great a reward Mr Luton would receive.

Mr Luton, of Fishburn, County Durham, said: "It is every metal detector's dream to find a really significant item or a hoard, but I don't think these coins are.

"These six were found within about 100 square feet of each other but the whole site is about 25 acres. I think the Romans were a careless lot and I've merely found some of the items they lost.

"I was pleased to work with the Time Team and happy that my work helped unearth a really interesting site. Until then, it was thought that the area was mainly military, but there is now evidence that luxury goods were made north of the Tees."