Britain's biggest ever hoard of forged coins has been unearthed in the Staffordshire countryside.

Buried 220 years ago by notorious criminal George Fearns, it has been dug up by novice metal detectorist John McGimpsey.

The 64-year-old found the 332 fake silver coins in a field near Leek.

Research revealed they were buried in 1801 by forger George Fearns in a bid to hide the proof of his crimes.

He had been caught passing forged notes to two undercover policemen during a sting operation at a pub.

It is believed that Fearns, who lived in a 16th Century stone-walled house 200 yards from the field, buried the coins while he was being investigated for his forgeries.

Although the stash remained unfound for two centuries, the police still had enough evidence to prosecute him and he was hanged at Stafford Gaol in 1801.

Mr McGimpsey, who only took up metal detecting during the first lockdown along with his four brothers, found the coins buried 10ins down.

The 332 half crowns, shillings and sixpences had the bust of King William III on one side and King George II on the reverse.

The hoard appears to have been wrapped in old bank notes, as a tiny fragment of paper was found which has been sent for analysis.

The previous record haul of forged coins is 92, which is now in the British Museum.

Julian Evan-Hart, editor of Treasure Hunting magazine, said it was an 'amazing' discovery which had more 'historical than monetary value'.

He said: "It is one of those classic metal detecting discoveries and you do wonder if there are other deposits still there which were buried in haste.

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