A DETECTORIST from Newton-le-Willows has discovered a historical coin dating back to 700 years ago. 

Russell Brookes has been a detectorist for five years, however, he stopped during the pandemic. 

He's now back into the swing of it and has found his oldest coin yet. 

Russell said: "I started again last week and went out down near Sankey canal; a field I have permission to detect.

"I heard a beep and thought it was the signal for a pop can - it turned out to be a 700-year-old coin.

"My next oldest coin off the same field was an Elizabeth 1st sixpence from 1562. I have found quite a few things around Newton-le-Willows spindle whorls (medieval) Roman weights.

"I do it because I love finding about history of our town."

St Helens Star: Russell has been a detectorist for five years Russell has been a detectorist for five years (Image: Russell Brookes)

READ > Earlestown train station as one of the oldest train stations in the world receives heritage plaque

The coin enthusiast is insured and is a member of the National Council for Metal Detecting.

He has since passed his findings to Liverpool Museum to be recorded by the find liaison officer.