Norfolk has been named as the top county in the UK for treasure finds.

Figures from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport revealed that 249 finds had been made in the east of England in 2021, nearly a quarter of the 1,077 discoveries made in the country.

Norfolk topped the list of counties with 104 discoveries — nearly 10pc of the national total.

The finds have gone on to help museums, with donated items bolstering their collections.

Eastern Daily Press: A post-medieval silver pendant found in West Acre has been declared as treasureA post-medieval silver pendant found in West Acre has been declared as treasure (Image: Supplied by Norfolk Coroners Court)

Norwich Castle Museum obtained 15 finds — the second-largest museum acquisition in the UK and 12pc of all objects found in the county.

One of the recent finds was a gilded silver heart, arrows pendant and a gold ornament. Found near Reepham, the objects date from the Bronze Age and the post-medieval era.

Between 2014 and 2020, 151 gold medieval coins were also found near King's Lynn. It is thought to be the largest hoard discovered in Britain. The coins were made in Europe between 570 and 630.

Two Black Death era gold coins were also found near Reepham — an "extremely rare" 23-carat gold 'leopard' issued in 1344 and a gold noble minted in 1351-2.