A hoard of medieval silver coins was among the latest precious finds to be confirmed as treasure in Norfolk.

Over a period of two months, metal detectorists Dylan Hughes and Alex Bond unearthed a hoard of 69 medieval coins in Ovington, near Watton.

The finds consisted of 46 pennies, 22 half-cut pennies and one farthing, some dating back more than 800 years.

An inquest held this week officially classified the coins as treasure and heard some of the coins may have dated back as far back as between 1180 and 1185.

Others were dated as being minted between 1236 and 1242. 

In a report read to the court, Adrian Marsden, a numismatist at Norfolk County Council, said: "The coins could not have been buried much after 1241 when shortcut coins were demonetised."

The coins were unearthed by the detectorists on separate trips between December 11, 2021 and February 26, 2022.

Samantha Goward, area coroner for Norfolk, concluded that the coins could be officially classified as treasure.

Meanwhile, Mrs Goward also confirmed that a 17th century mourning ring found near Long Stratton could also be classified as treasure.

The jewellery item was found by metal detectorist Roger Kent in September 22, with its engraving revealing the secrets of its origin.

The gold ring was inscribed with "Prepare to Follow ER 15 no 80" linking it to a woman called Elizabeth Roope.

In a report read out to the court, Norfolk historian Helen Geake said the ring would have been one of a small number made in memorial of Mrs Roope, who lived in Morningthorpe Hall and died in 1680.

The latest finds come after it was revealed that Norfolk continues to be the county in the UK where the most treasure is unearthed.

Experts have linked this to the amount of arable land the county has and the fact it was often the place European invaders reached first in historic times.