A RARE Roman helmet found in an Eden field by a treasure hunter with a metal detector is to go on display in Cumbria for the first time.

The Crosby Garrett Roman Helmet was discovered in May 2010 in pastureland in the small hamlet, near Kirkby Stephen.

On October 7 2010 the helmet was sold at Christie's auction house, London, for £2.2 million to an undisclosed private buyer.

But now, the striking cavalry helmet and face mask is to go on display at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle, from Friday after the owner agreed a three month loan.

The copper-alloy helmet has an appearance of a youthful male face and is only one of three recorded finds of its kind in Britain.

Hilary Wade, Director of Tullie House Museum, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be able to display this beautiful helmet and are grateful to the owner for this generous loan.

"The helmet is one of the most extraordinary objects from the Roman period in Britain. It was made for splended sporting events rather than battle and shows what a spectacular impression the cavalry would have made."

The helmet will be in a special display area and will remain at the Carlisle art house until the end of January before being transferred to the British Museum, London.