An amateur metal detector has been praised after handing a 1,500-year-old artefact to the British Museum.

The rare gilded silver pinhead, styled in the image of a bird of prey, is thought to have been crafted in the 6th Century.

The Anglo-Saxon find was classified as treasure trove at Nottingham Coroner's Court on Thursday and will now go on display in London.

Edward Booth, 71, found the item in a field at a farm in Scarrington, Nottinghamshire, on a trip with his metal detecting club.

It's the best thing I've ever found

Edward Booth

The 71-year-old, from Trowell in Nottinghamshire, told the treasure trove inquest that the pinhead was his best find in seven years with the group.

"I was using the metal detector in the field and got a nice sound three or four inches down.

"It's the best thing I've ever found.

"I cleaned it up straight away and took it to the club secretary."

Historical piece

The Nottingham Co-Op Metal Detecting Society had the artefact examined at the University of Nottingham following the discovery on 7 April and then handed the item to the local coroner.

Club secretary Jeff Wright said that the half-inch long piece was worth between �200 and �300 and features an engraving of a bird's rib cage and head.

Nottinghamshire coroner Dr Nigel Chapman said: "This is a rare find and is part of our history.

"It should be in the museum so generations to come can view it and I praise the club for alerting the court.

"Too many of these items are never handed over."

He ruled that the item was treasure and said that it should remain with the British Museum, which must pay Mr Booth an appropriate sum.