'Kid's toy' turns out to be rare 2,000-year-old brooch

What's the most exciting thing you've ever found or dug up?

Well, one metal detectorist in south-west England didn't quite realise just how special his find was.

When Martin from Dorset first discovered a bronze item near his home he thought it was just a child's toy.

But in reality he had actually unearthed a rare 2,000 year-old brooch.

Martin made the discovery in fields close to his home near Dorchester.

At first, he thought he had stumbled across a children's toy as he had found similar items nearby. However, after washing it, he noticed the item wasn't a toy, but a brooch.

He also noticed a bluey/green discolouration which suggested it was made of bronze - and suddenly he realised the piece must be much older than he thought.

Martin sent it to local experts, who confirmed it was a rare 2,000-year-old brooch!

Martin said he enjoys metal detecting with his son, and in the three years they had been taking part in the activity, they had found hundreds of items.

He explained: "Every field I go in I find stuff. I must have 13 tubs full of antiquities."