METAL detectorist Neil Berry celebrated his third find of ‘treasure’, a 700 year-old silver stirrup ring, by giving it to the wife of the farmer on whose land he discovered it on.

The 58-year-old from Highercroft, Blackburn, found the jewellery in April 2016 while prospecting on the site of the former medieval village of Pendleton.

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It was the third time he had discovered items that came within the legal definition of ‘treasure’ and he was required to attend a special inquest in Clitheroe to determine ownership.

On the two previous occasions he had seen his hoards of Roman silver coins found near Worston and medieval silver coins discovered near Downham awarded to the Museum of Lancashire in return for a few hundred pounds compensation.

On this occasion senior Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Vally coroner Michael Singleton awarded the ring, dating from between 1200 and 1300, to Mr Berry.

The antiques dealer and former window cleaner said after the inquest: “I am really pleased at the decision.

“The last two times, more than 20 years ago, custody was awarded to the Museum.

“I am happy that the two hoards are on display and I gave a collection of bronze age axe heads I had found a few years ago to so they could be put on show and looked after.

“I do a lot of detecting on the land at Cockshutt Farm at Pendleton with the permission of the farmer John Cowperthwaite.

“In view of that and his help, I have decided to give the ring, worth about £150 to £200, to his wife Ruth.”

Mrs Cowperthwaite said: “I am really pleased to accept it.

“It is a lovely gesture on Neil’s part.”

Mr Singleton told Mr Berry, Secretary of the Ribble Valley Metal Detecting Club, who has been pursuing his hobby for 30 years: “It was pleasure and a change for me to conduct this inquest as I normally deal with death.”

Mr Berry went to Cockshutt Fram at the weekend to present the ring to Mrs Cowperthwaite.