Rare finds from long ago

They are rare artefacts that shed light on those who lived in the Norfolk landscape centuries ago.

The stash of coins and jewellery is set to be of immense value to archaeologists looking at the history of human activity in the area.

They were unearthed by archaeologists on a site earmarked for a large housing development near Dereham.

Roman coins, Saxon halfpennies, Venetian silver soldinos and even pre-historic flint and medieval clasps, buckles and brooches have been dug up on a four-acre piece of land at Church Close in Shipdham.