Volunteers worked through the night to uncover the hoard

More than 30 items including axe and spear heads, sword blades and metal ingots were discovered at the site in Hollingbourne at the weekend.

The full extent of the find was revealed after two objects were initially discovered in January.

David Button, of Sittingbourne, came across the items with his metal detector and immediately contacted Kent County Council.

This axe had lain untouched for 2,800 years

A further search of the field in Hollingbourne uncovered 15 bronze objects.

Then with permission from farmer Michael Summerfield a full excavation was held which unearthed 17 more items, some still in the original pit in which they were buried just below the surface.

It is thought they were a bronze-smith's hoard, left there for safe keeping 2,800 years ago.

County council member for strategic planning, Grahame Weston, said: "This is a significant find and a good example of the wealth of Kent's historic heritage.

"It is even more intriguing when the objects are discovered just below the surface - history at your fingertips."

Kent Council Council said the find is the first in the country since the Treasure Act came into force on 1 January which extended the definition of treasure to prehistoric metal objects as well as silver and gold.

The objects will be kept safe by the council before being transferred to the British Museum for processing under the Treasure Act.