A COLLECTION of ancient Roman coins discovered by a metal detector enthusiast have gone on public display.

The so-called Riddlesden Hoard, comprising more than a hundred silver coins, can now be seen at Cliffe Castle Museum in Keighley.

Stephen Auker, who lives at Riddlesden, made the find while searching a field in the village in March, 2014.

He had only recently taken up the hobby after being bought a metal detector for Christmas.

Following his discovery of the first few coins, Mr Auker informed the authorities and a team of volunteers was brought in to help with the search.

In total, 110 - the earliest from 75AD - were found over six weeks scattered across a wide area.

The coins - subsequently declared treasure trove - date from the time of famed Roman emperors such as Hadrian, Trajan and Marcus Aurelius.

"I am absolutely thrilled and excited that they are now on public display," said Mr Auker, 59.

"I've several other finds too going through the processes at the moment but these things take time."

Within two months of discovering the coins, he uncovered a Tudor merchant ring dating from about 1550, which is currently in storage at Cliffe Castle.

Each trove was valued at £400, to be split between Mr Auker - who put his share into a charity pot for Cancer Research UK - and the landowners.

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