A medieval silver brooch found in Souldrop has been classified as treasure by a court.

The annular brooch, which dates from between the 13th and 14th centuries, is being held at the British Museum in London, but Bedford Coroner's Court heard on Tuesday that Bedford Museum is keen to purchase the artefact.

It is said to be similar to a Viking brooch found in Norfolk in 2002, and was unearthed in a field earlier this year.

The circular, two-inch wide, silver pin brooch is in good condition and has five bramble knot designs worked into it.

In order to be classified under the 1996 Treasure Act, an item must be more than 300 years old and be made from a precious metal.

Anyone who finds a gold or silver object of this age must report it to their local coroner and deposit it with their nearest museum or archaeological officer.

Treasure goes to the British Museum for valuation. A local museum is then able to buy the item, with the money being shared between the finder and the owner of the land where it was found.