A NOVICE metal detector enthusiast said he “nearly fainted” when he unearthed a medieval gold ring near Lakenheath.

Steven Wright, 41, of Thetford, had only had the hobby for two years when he stumbled across the 15th century piece of jewellery.

And during an inquest in Bury St Edmunds yesterday, coroner Dr Peter Dean declared the ring treasure.

Speaking after the verdict, Mr Wright said: “I was metal detecting in a field about eight weeks ago when it went off. I dug down about three inches under the soil and there it was. I nearly fainted.

“For every good thing we find, we usually dig up 100 pieces of rubbish. This is the first treasure I have found.”

His more experienced metal detecting partner Ray Harper said he was “absolutely gob-smacked” when Mr Wright told him what he found.

Faye Minter, senior finds recording officer with Suffolk County Council’s Archaeological Service, told the inquest the ring was “unusual” as it was engraved with a decoration of the Annunciation – the moment Archangel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary she would become the mother of Jesus.

She said other examples had been found in gold and that a similar ring was discovered in Wales.

The ring, pictured left, could now be displayed in Moyse’s Hall Museum in Bury St Edmunds.

NOTE from R2 see Website for Photo

http://tinyurl.com/678xy5f