A FILMMAKER who was inspired to take up metal detecting after watching the hit comedy television series The Detectorists has unearthed a late Bronze Age gold ring on farmland in the St Columb Major area.

Lemuel Lyes, aged 42, took up the hobby after moving to Cornwall from New Zealand.

A month later to the day he discovered the penannular ring thought to be around 3,000 years old, which has been reported to a Finds Liaison Officer to determine whether the find constitutes potential treasure.

The penannular ring thought to be around 3,000 years old ( )

Far from beginner’s luck Lemuel has also discovered a number of medieval silver hammered coins, a Georgian silver spoon and some “nice” buttons.

Lemuel found what is believed to be a late Bronze Age gold ring during a dig organised by a group called North Cornwall Metal Detecting.

He said: “The find is believed to be a late Bronze Age penannular ring.

“I'd been going at it for about six hours without any luck and I'd just decided to call it quits for the day when I got the signal.

“I didn't even have to dig a hole. It was just sitting there.

“The ring is possibly one of the first to be found in Cornwall if not the first.

"It's also one of the most highly decorative examples I've seen anywhere in Britain.

“The function of rings like these is debated but it's general accepted that were used for personal adornment.

“They used to sometimes be referred to as "ring money" and thought to be a form of proto money, but from what I understand that's no longer believed to be the case.

“My favourite theory is that they were earrings, but other people had suggested they were hair or nose rings.

“It was reported to the local Finds Liaison Officer on the day of the discovery, and there will be an inquest to decide if it will be claimed as treasure or not. A process that I'm completely supportive of.

“It was just a joy to find it and make a small contribution to our understanding of the past.

“That was a once in a lifetime find. I was exceptionally lucky to find it, and don't expect I'll ever find anything as incredible as that again.

“Since then, I've been lucky enough to make quite a few neat finds, and for me it's the history and story behind each one that's the real treasure.”

Lemuel is a big fan of The Detectorists, which revolves around the lives, loves and metal-detecting ambitions of Andy Stone and Lance Slater, members of the Danebury Metal Detecting Club who are played Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones.

Andy Stone and Lance Slater in the Detectorists (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes) ( )

Lemuel said: “As a history geek I suspect I would have gravitated towards the hobby anyway, but the Detectorists series certainly helped.

“I think the Detectorists series is some of the most beautiful television ever made.

“Everything from the characters, their friendships, and how they enjoy their hobbies, and the natural landscapes as well.”