EFFORTS are continuing to raise the funds necessary to keep the Worcestershire Hoard in the county.

In October last year Worcestershire hit the headlines in a big way with the discovery of the largest haul of treasure ever found in the county, by Redditch man Jethro Carpenter.

Along with fellow metal detectorist Mark Gilmour he found a stash of almost 4,000 Roman coins on Bredon Hill.

Research undertaken by Worcestershire Archaeology and Archives Service, with the British Museum, indicates the hoard was buried nearly a century after it was accumulated – the only known such British example.

Museums Worcestershire has been working hard to raise the cash to acquire and conserve the coins and then display them at a number of venues across the county.

The hoard is currently held in the British Museum and the county has just two months left to raise the £40,000 needed.

Councillor John Campion, chairman of the Joint Museums Committee, said: "It is vitally important that the hoard stays in Worcestershire.

“Residents have been fantastic at coming forward with their donations and with the help of Worcestershire Archaeological Society we are well on the way to raising the money necessary to acquire the hoard.”

Residents can offer their support and make a donation by visiting charitychoice.co.uk/worcestershire-hoard/ or by visiting the Museums Worcestershire at museumsworcestershire.org.uk.