CHIPPENHAM NEWS: BURIED treasure has been seized on behalf of the Queen. Two treasure hunters have found ancient rings on farmland using metal detectors.

Tony Mims, of Pinewood Way, Colerne, found an early 16th century silver ring, above, in a field near Malmesbury.

To fulfil age-old law the items must be declared to be treasure by a coroner and then seized on behalf of the monarch.

Coroner David Masters said at Devizes coroners' court on Friday: "It's a smashing ring."

Wiltshire Heritage Museum is interested in buying the ring, which qualifies as treasure because it is more than 300 years old and is made of silver.

If the museum decides to buy it Mr Mims and the farm owner will receive a reward, otherwise he will be allowed to keep it.

Another medieval ring was found by Christopher Chandler, from Cardiff, on farmland in Kington St Michael. Chippenham Museum is interested in buying the 13th century gold ring, inscribed "Ave Maria gracia plena" in Latin, meaning "Hail Mary full of grace."

Mr Masters also seized the item as treasure. Both treasure seekers had permission from landowners.