An amateur archaeologist using a metal detector has discovered a rare golden necklace from the iron age buried in a local farmer's field. The delicately twisted torc was probably designed for a well-to-do member of a tribe in the area now covered by north Nottinghamshire (England).
     Maurice Richardson reported the find to the local coroner after initially thinking his soil-covered discovery was scrap metal. The 700g (1.5lb) necklace was buried beneath a field which has been ploughed for years on the outskirts of Newark.
     Mr Richardson said: "I got down on my stomach and scraped away and that was when a glint of gold came into view. It took me another half an hour to get it out of the ground because I was so nervous. It came out as though I had bought it from the shop yesterday. It shone, it was solid and perfect in every way. That is what the hobby is all about. It is something you read about in books but it never happens to you."
     The torc has been sent to the British Museum and a treasure trove inquest will be held in Newark to determine its value and an appropriate reward for Mr Richardson.

Source: The Guardian (18 February 2005)