Metal detector enthusiasts uncover Bronze Age weapons in Durham
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/metal-detector-enthusiasts-uncover-bronze-13460840
A father-and-son metal detecting duo could see their second lot of treasure put on display in a museum after they uncovered Bronze Age weaponry while searching near Barnard Castle.
David Hopper, 62, took up metal detecting as a hobby five years ago after he retired.
The former highways worker soon recruited his son Kevin Hopper, 33, as his sidekick and the duo have been spending their weekends hunting for ancient relics ever since.
A treasure inquest held at County Durham's Coroner's Court on Wednesday confirmed that the duo had uncovered 21 items including spearheads and axe heads dating back to 900bc in July 2016.
This isn't the first big haul of treasure the duo have discovered. In 2015 they made £800 after the Palace Green Museum in Durham bought the artefacts to put on display.
However David said he is not motivated by money and that he has spent more on equipment than he is likely to make in finds.
He said: "It is a hobby, I don't do it for the money at all.
"I enjoy it. It gets me out and about exploring different places. I have learnt a lot about the history of the area."
The pair are part of an informal metal detector club, Northern Relic Hunters, and they discuss their finds with other members.
David said: "I've learnt a lot about the history of the area and how it is all connected from people on the forum.