A DRESS hook which dates as far back as the 14th century has been officially declared as national treasure after being dug up on farmland in Billinge.

The silver gilt hook, which was discovered during a metal detecting rally at Fir Tree Farm in February 2014, will now be acquired by a national museum.

A financial reward will be split between farm owner Edwina Abbott and the man who discovered the precious piece.

An investigation into whether the find qualified as 'treasure' was concluded at Coroner's court.

Coroner Christopher Sumner said: “As it contains more than the minimum 10 per cent precious metal, it qualifies as treasure under the Treasure Act 1955.”

Mr Sumner added he has conducted around 3,600 inquests – but this has been his first treasure trove inquiry.

Edwina Abbott, 57, who lives on the farm and has a keen interest in history, said: “We're thrilled about the find. It's wonderful. You just don't know what's going to be dug up next!”

She said a bronze age axe head, found on the farm in 2012, is on display at the farm shop, adding: “it's from around 1500BC.”

Edwina and husband Alan permit the South Lancashire and Cheshire Metal Detecting Club access to fields on their nine-acre farm each year – and there have been a number of finds – but this has been the first to be declared a treasure.

The Coroner's court heard how the discovery was made by the boyfriend of one of the metal detecting club members who had joined the detecting rally for the first time.

He had taken home his find, rinsed off the soil and been advised by his girlfriend to take it to Liverpool Museum, where it was taken into possession and sent on to the British Museum for analysis.

The item is described as a “silver gilt dress hook” of hexagonal shape, nearly 3cm in diameter, almost 1cm thick and weighing 5.3 grammes. It dates from between 1500 and 1650. A pin, that would have been on the back, is missing from the piece.

Mr Sumner said “National Museums Liverpool have expressed an interest in acquiring it and will give a reward, to be shared between the land owner and finder.”

Geoff Cook, Edwina Abbott's brother and owner of Red Barn Farm in Billinge, attended the inquest. He said: “The village is called King's Moss – I wonder if this has any significance?

"Who knows? Perhaps the dress hook belonged to a mistress of the king if he had a residence in the area.”