OXFORDSHIRE is still one of the country's hot spots for treasure finds, with dozens of discoveries made last year.

Fortune hunters and metal detectorists made 42 discoveries in 2020, data from the British Museum and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport shows – the country's ninth-biggest haul.

It means a total of 324 finds have been reported in Oxfordshire since records began in 2012, the figures show.

The British Museum said restrictions on people's exercise during coronavirus lockdowns contributed to a boost in unexpected garden discoveries last year.

Anyone who thinks they have struck a hidden hoard has to tell the coroner within two weeks, so they can hold an inquest to decide whether it constitutes treasure and who will receive the items.

If they don't, they face an unlimited fine or up to three months behind bars.

Local and national museums are given the chance to purchase any pieces a coroner rules as treasure, but the finder doesn't leave empty-handed – they will be paid a sum depending on the haul's value.

In 2020, 247 treasure finds were reported across the South East.

The Treasure Act currently defines treasure as finds older than 300 years and made of gold or silver, or artefacts made of precious metals.

But the Government announced in December 2020 that a new definition would be introduced to protect treasure from being lost to the public. It would see artefacts also defined as treasure if they are "of historical or cultural significance".

Metal detecting is the best way to unearth lost treasure, according to the figures.

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