Eideard

Daylife/AP Photo used by permission

Discovering the UK’s largest haul of Anglo-Saxon treasure has been the highlight of Terry Herbert’s 18-year hobby.

“People laugh at metal detectorists,” said the unemployed 55-year-old, who stands to make a fortune.

“I’ve had people go past and go ‘beep beep, he’s after pennies‘. Well no, we are out there to find this kind of stuff and it is out there.”

He made the find in a field near his Staffordshire home with a detector he bought in 1995.

Experts have said the collection of 1,500 gold and silver pieces, which may date back to the seventh century, was unparalleled in size. One has suggested the find was the hobbyist’s equivalent of uncovering Tutankhamen’s tomb.

Mr Herbert, from Burntwood, said he dug up so much gold over five days in July he was seeing the precious metal in his sleep.

“My mates at the metal detecting club always say if there is a gold coin in a field I will be the one to find it.

“I dread to think what they’ll say when they hear about this.”

The financial worth of the hoard may take months to assess, but its market value will eventually go to Mr Herbert and the owner of the farmland where it was found.

I mostly walk with our dogs – but, that’s the point of a proper outdoors hobby – exercise and fresh air. Getting more than that is always a bonus.