THE number of treasure finds reported in West Yorkshire last year has been revealed. 

Provisional data from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport shows six treasure finds were recorded in West Yorkshire in 2023 - up from three the year before. 

Across England and Wales, 1,358 treasure finds were reported in 2023 - down slightly from 1,367 the previous year but the second highest figure since records began in 1996.

Keith Westcott, chief executive and founder of the Detectorists Institute and Foundation, said the high number of discoveries recorded in England and Wales last year highlights the "critical importance" of ensuring treasure hunting is conducted responsibly.

The definition of treasure was updated in July last year.

Previously, newly-discovered artefacts were classified as treasure by a coroner if they were more than 300-years-old and made of precious metal or part of a collection of valuable objects or artefacts.

Under the new criteria, most exceptional finds over 200-years-old will be classed as treasure, so long as they provide an outstanding insight into the country's history and culture.

There has been one find which has met the new definition - a ninth century penny of Aethelstan II.

The coin was declared treasure by a coroner in September last year.