A BRACELET unearthed in a Warburton field has been identified as a rare piece of ancient Roman jewellery.

Amateur prospector James Balme came across the unusual find as he scoured the recently harvested land on the outskirts of the village.

The serpent shaped silver bangle was sticking out of the ground and with the knowledge procured through a long held interest in metal detecting and archaeology, James knew instantly he had found something of historical value.

And his hunch was confirmed by coroner John Pollard as he declared the item to be treasure at an inquest held last Thursday.

James, said: "I was actually quite alarmed to find it because it was in a field I had discounted quite a few times when I had been prospecting before.

"I saw it sticking out of the ground and I knew straight away it was silver and when I saw the animal head I knew it was something the Romans would have worn.

"In other parts of Warburton I have found Roman coins and brooches but this is the first time I have found such high status jewellery. It's something quite special because it means there was probably someone with a high status living in Warburton."

The nine inch long bracelet has an animal's head on one end and is currently with the British Museum in London where it will be valued with James and the owner of the land set to benefit from a substantial reward.

Mr Pollard has recommended the bracelet be moved to Warrington Museum.

James has spent more than a decade prospecting in the Warburton area uncovering a potential Roman settlement and will be part of a Time Team programme with Tony Robinson to be broadcast in March.

* Under the Treasure Act 1996 treasure is defined as any object more than 300 years old which is not a coin but has metallic content of which at least 10 per cent is a precious metal.