A MEDIEVAL silver bar mount has been found in a field near Winchester, a hearing heard.

The 14th century silver item would have adorned a belt or a strap.

it was discovered by Paul Egginton, from Surrey, on farmland at Crawley on February 5, an inquest was told.

Katie Hinds, Hampshire finds liaison officer for the Portable Antiquities Scheme, told the hearing that such items were usually copper alloys and silver ones were "unusual but not unique."

Central Hampshire coroner Grahame Short declared the mount to be treasure as it is more than 300 years old and made of either gold or silver.

Miss Hinds said she believed Winchester Museum was interested in acquiring the piece.