A RARE Roman helmet worth £300,000 found in the Eden Valley is ‘closer to staying in Cumbria’ after hundreds of people donated money to a musuem appeal.

Bosses at Carlisle’s Tullie House museum are asking the public to help them buy the bronze cavalryman’s helmet when it comes up for auction on October 7.

Described by experts as an ‘extraordinary, rare and important find’ because of its full face mask, the helmet was discovered on farmland at Crosby Garrett, near Appleby, by a young metal detector in May.

So far the public have raised £25,000 and museum bosses are hoping for a large financial boost from high-profile arts and archeology funds later this week.

“The money raised in just a few days is an incredible amount and we would like to thank the public for all of their support.

"Everything we have raised so far means we are closer to securing the helmet for the museum so it can be enjoyed by the people of Cumbria,” said Andrew MacKay, head of collections for the musuem.

“We’re getting cheques, children’s pocket money as well as lots of money donated on the Just Giving website and we’re also hoping that larger organisations can help us too.”

The museum’s appeal draws close parallels with Birmingham City Council’s sucessful campaign in 2009 to keep a Saxon hoard of treasure in the Midlands for local people to appreciate.

Mr MacKay said: “The Saxon hoard shows us that these things can be done, even though there’s still a lot of fundraising to go.

"I can’t overstate the helmet’s important in the story and heritage of Romans in Cumbria.

"It would be such a shame if it went abroad or to a private collector because people here are buzzing about their history and really want to see it.”

Annie Hamilton-Gibney, who donated money through the Just Giving website, said: “This is such an important find.

"It should go on permanent display in Cumbria, to lose it again now would be a travesty!”

* If you would like to donate money to the Tullie House appeal call 01228 618743, visit their Facebook group Keep It In Cumbria or their Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/Tullie-House-Crosby-Garrett-Roman-Helmet-Appeal.