A SILVER ring found in Micheldever has been declared treasure by an inquest.

The 17th Century hawk ring, or vervel, was discovered by Reading metal detectorist Hugh Laidlaw on land owned by Lord Northbrook.

The ring has not yet been valued but was declared treasure on Wednesday, September 19 by Deputy Coroner for Central Hampshire Simon Burge because it is over 300 years old and more than 10 per cent precious metal.

It is unknown whether the British Museum will acquire the ring from Winchester Museums Service.