Oxfordshire has been revealed as a top destination for treasure hunters with 1,647 items discovered by metal detectors since June 2019.

Research from metals4U found that over 44,000 historical items have been unearthed in the last 12 months in the country.

Treasure hunters have found a Bronze Age sword, gold, a copper ring and a folding knife that could date back to 43AD, when Emperor Claudius ordered four legions to conquer Britain.

Oxfordshire takes the 7th place in the rankings of the top ten regions with the most treasure discoveries in the past 12 months.

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Paul McFadyen, managing director of metals4U, said: “It’s incredible to see the number and variety of discoveries in the past 12 months, from as far back as 4,000BC and throughout the ages. The data shows that there is still plenty out there to discover.

“With many staying in the UK this summer, we wanted to highlight metal detecting as a fun pass-time that you can enjoy outdoors whilst social distancing and hopefully inspire people to have a go.”