Three solid gold bracelets dating back to the Bronze Age were discovered in a field near Blackford, close to Carlisle, by metal detectorists Alan Daniels and Andy Crammond. The trio of torcs, estimated to be over 3,000 years old, are thought to be worth more than £300,000.

Crammond, 34, a gas engineer from Kilwinning, Ayrshire, described the moment of discovery as a dream come true. He found the first bracelet just a few inches beneath the surface and was so surprised that he said he nearly had a heart attack. Daniels quickly unearthed the second, with the third found about 20 feet away some 20 minutes later.

Despite their age, the torcs were recovered in remarkably well-preserved, gleaming condition. Experts believe the bracelets belonged to a wealthy individual of high status, possibly a landowner. The items may have been buried either as offerings to deities to ensure a successful harvest or concealed to protect them from a potential raid.

The torcs are composed of at least 22-carat gold, with a combined weight of 518 grams, and have been dated to approximately 1100 BCE. Following their discovery, the artifacts were handed over to the British Museum, where a coroner will determine whether they qualify as treasure under current law.

If declared treasure, museums or institutions will have the opportunity to acquire the torcs, with the finders receiving a share of the proceeds. Should no buyer come forward, the items will be returned to Daniels and Crammond.

The discovery has been hailed by detectorists and archaeologists alike due to both the rarity and condition of the find, marking it as a significant contribution to the understanding of Bronze Age craftsmanship and society in the region.