A MEDIEVAL ring found in a field has been categorised as treasure at an inquest in Kendal.

The medieval gold finger ring found at Waitby, near Kirkby Stephen, was found by a metal detectorist in a well-preserved condition.

The small, plain band is decorated with a stepped and bevelled rectangular gold bezel mounted with a purple stone, possibly amethyst.

It is known to be dated from some time within the 13th and 14th centuries, the inquest heard.

Commenting on the ring in the artefact's notes, archaeologist Dr Dot Boughton wrote: "Similar medieval gold rings are recorded on the database, for example from Tolleshunt Major in Essex, Kexby in North Yorkshire and Chester.

"They are all dated from the 13th or early 14th century and were submitted for consideration as treasure."

The ring was found by Richard Hunter, a metal detectorist from Peterlee, on August 17 last year.

He was metal detecting on land owned by Mrs GM Hewetson.

As the ring was found to contain 10 per cent precious metal, it qualified as treasure under the 1996 Treasure Act.

Kendal Museum has expressed an interest in taken ownership of the ring, which would be put on display for the public.

Morag Clement, archaeology curator at the museum, said: "Now it has been declared treasure, hopefully the finder may donate it to Kendal Museum.

"If not, we will then have to wait for a valuation from the valuation committee at the British Museum, then we can try and raise funds to purchase it as the museum does not have an acquisitions budget to purchase any finds."

The Kirkby Stephen area has proven lucrative for treasure hunters in the past. In 2010, a Roman helmet was found at Crosby Garrett.

The piece, thought to have been worn by soldiers at sports events, was expected to fetch £300,000 when it went under the hammer at Christie's in London. It ended up selling for £2million to a private bidder.

The dimensions for the ring found at Waitby are:

Length: 23 mm

Height: 1.5 mm

Width: 16 mm

Thickness: 0.5 mm

Weight: 1.07 g