A METAL detector enthusiast from Riddlesden has uncovered more rare finds.

Stephen Auker discovered a solid silver 1st/2nd century Roman intaglio ring during a search of pastureland in the district.

He also unearthed silver Denarius coins dating from about the same period and a Roman brooch.

And amazingly, a fellow detectorist – Mark Shepherdson – then located another intaglio ring plus silver and bronze coins at the same site.

Mr Auker, 59, said: "The rings are quite unique.

"They are very small and rarely found.

"They would be given to Roman children, mainly boys, who would often wear them around their necks.

"I was absolutely thrilled with the find and for Mark, who has been a detectorist for 18 months – it was his first Roman discovery."

Mr Auker said the choice of field to search was "pot luck".

"I obtained permission to explore a pasture area, which had not been hunted before by anyone with a detector," he said.

"I made four visits and found nothing. Then, on my fifth, visit I got a signal and dug up the intaglio ring."

He received the OK for further exploration, when he located the coins and brooch, and was then joined by Mr Shepherdson, who made his discoveries.

The finds have been reported to the Portable Antiquities Scheme, which records archaeological objects unearthed by members of the public.

"The two rings are the only items that would be classed as treasure trove and will hopefully eventually end up at Cliffe Castle in Keighley, if it wishes to acquire them," added Mr Auker, who is now officially a volunteer recorder with the scheme.

"However, it is a long and complicated process. The British Museum has to view and evaluate the objects and decide what they might be worth."

Two years ago, within months of taking up the hobby, Mr Auker uncovered a hoard of 2,000-year-old silver Roman coins and a 16th-century Tudor ring.

Each trove was valued at £400, to be split between Mr Auker and the landowners.

Mr Auker put his share into a charity pot for Cancer Research UK.

And last year he found medieval silver coins, which were also later declared treasure trove.

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