A Bronze Age bracelet found near Whitehaven has been ruled as treasure by the coroner.

Metal detectorist Billy Vaughan, 54, made the discovery of a lifetime in a field on July 3.

He had only taken up the hobby eight months prior, so was stunned to come across the 22-carat gold band.

An inquest was held at Cockermouth Coroners Court on Wednesday, where Coroner Kirsty Gomersal said she was "delighted" to declare the bracelet as treasure.

Mr Vaughan, who attended the inquest along with the landowner, said he was "excited" to hear that it was treasure, but added that he was not surprised.

The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven has expressed an interest in acquiring the solid gold arm ring, which has been dated from the late Bronze Age, between 900 and 700 BC.

It will now be valued by The Treasure Valuation Committee, which establishes the likely market value of a treasure find.

Care worker Mr Vaughan originally thought the bracelet, which he uncovered five inches beneath the ground, was a part from a hang glider.

Speaking after his astonishing find, he said: “I was gobsmacked. I nearly threw it away. We don’t find gold in Whitehaven.

“I had been in that field a hundred times. I spend six or seven hours there. I don’t even know what gold looks like when it comes out the ground."

By law, finders of potential treasure must notify their local coroner, who will determine if the item is treasure at an inquest.

All treasure found in the UK belongs to the Crown and The Treasure Valuation Committee recommends a value for the find.

It is then offered for sale to a museum, and a reward shared between the finder and the landowner.