Gold gem stud found in Walsoken is thought to date back to 650AD

A gold gem stud which was found during a metal detecting event in Walsoken is thought to be more than 1,300 years old.

The piece of treasure was unearthed on agricultural land in the village on September 1, when a national digging event was being held.

An inquest into the piece was held at Norfolk Coroner’s Court in Norwich when area coroner Yvonne Blake determined that it was in fact treasure.

The early medieval piece was found by detectorist Mark Bailey in the field.

Ms Blake said that the circular object, which is made of sheet gold and has precious gems inside, is thought to date back to 650AD.

The piece is thought to have been part of a sword belt, and is now in the British Museum in London.