Metal detector enthusiasts share almost a thousand of their best discoveries as the Portable Antiquities Scheme annual report is released.

Treasure hunters at the British Museum displayed nearly a thousand items as the Portable Antiquities Scheme released its annual report.

The report showed that 990 items had been discovered in 2012 and classed as treasure, a lengthy verification meant that items submitted in 2012 are only being detailed now.

Culture minister Ed Vaizey praised the project, which was started in 1997, as a very "British scheme" adding, "I think we've catalogued almost a million objects since it's been brought into existence".

Metal detectorists Stuart McLeod and Shawn Miller recounted how they discovered a silver jug from 1635, with friend Stephen Tharp. "It was about a foot and a half down and it was buried on its side", Mr McLeod said.

Mr Miller described the jug as "it's truly a remarkable piece" adding: "you dont find something like this all the time".

This year's set of treasures also includes a haul of Anglo-Saxon coins, dating back to the 9th century and believed to have been buried by frightened locals as Vikings approached.

Another set of coins, from a 2nd century Roman hoard found in Knutsford, Cheshire, were also on display at the British Museum, along with a small 3rd century balsamarium, or vase, which would originally have held oil.
Each will now be inspected, before being sent to a local museum.

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