Archaeologists have unearthed a collection of Bronze Age axe heads, spear tips and other 3,000-year-old metal objects buried in an Essex field (England). The items include an intact pottery container with heavy contents which has been removed undisturbed. The location was reported to archaeologists at Colchester and Ipswich Museums by a landowner and a metal detectorist. Three other hobbyists then came forward to report more finds in the same area including the top of a pottery vessel. The materials are now at a local museum.
     "To find a hoard still located in its Bronze Age context, below the level of ploughed soil, is very rare. The fact that there is pottery involved makes the find even more unusual," said local archaeologist Laura McLean. "This is a good example of metal detectorists and archaeologists working together to uncover and record our history, making sure it is not lost forever," says McLean who acts as local Finds Liaison Officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
     The excavation at the Bronze Age site was filmed and the objects have been removed to allow archaeologists to carry out their studies. As the intact pot was so fragile and the contents were heavy, the decision was taken to 'block lift' the vessel and transport it to the museums laboratory for further study.

Edited from BBC News (31 October 2010)