Gold and silver objects found by metal detectorists in Norfolk that date back more than one thousand years were among the items declared treasure trove at inquests yesterday.

Among the items was a post medieval gold finger ring that would have been worn by an elegant lady during Tudor times about 450 years ago.

The item was found on land in Banningham, near North Walsham, on December 4 last year by Damon Pye, who attended the inquest.

Mr Pye said he was still excited by the find seven months on, and added that a similar example was housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Norfolk coroner William Armstrong added that it was 'certainly, an attractive item' and congratulated Mr Pye on his discovery.

An 'addendum Roman gold solidus coin' found in Hingham, near Wymondham, on March 30 was probably part of the same hoard of 26 late Roman coins unearthed in 1993, according to a British Museum report, the Norwich inquest heard.

The coin dates from the years 394/5 which accords with the latest coins from the previous hoard. The date and condition of the coin suggests that it had not been in circulation long, a report stated.

The inquest heard that Norwich Castle Museum had expressed an interest in acquiring two early medieval gold bracteates found in Holt on September 16 last year, which are Anglo-Saxon in origin and date back to the late fifth or early sixth century.

Meanwhile, two medieval silver coins found in Fornsett, near Long Stratton, in August last year dated back to the reign of Henry V1 in the 15th century. The groats were both struck in Calais, according to a British Museum report, as was much of the king's early coinage, as the French port was then ruled from England. They were probably deposited in the ground together.

A silver object with applied gold foil was found in Great Ellingham, near Attleborough, on May 30, 2010. A British Museum report stated that no close parallel for it was in existence and the item dated back to the mid-fifth to eighth centuries.

Mr Armstrong said all the detectorists had permission to be on the land where they found the items.

The hearing was told the British Museum had confirmed the find qualified as treasure on account of its age and metal content.

Museums have first refusal on treasure and the finder may receive a reward.

david.bale2@archant.co.uk