Staffordshire Hoard hits £3.3 million target

The Staffordshire Hoard has been saved for the West Midlands after a huge fundraising campaign hit its £3.3million target, it was announced this afternoon.

The Anglo Saxon treasure was found in a field in Staffordshire by a metal-detecting enthusiast last July.A government grant of more than £1.2m has helped the fund reach its target.

The National Heritage Memorial Fund today pledged £1.28m to the appeal.

Councillor Martin Mullaney, culture boss at Birmingham City Council, said: "It's a great achievement to secure the Hoard for the West Midlands region.

"Not only have we managed to raise the necessary £3.3m to return the Hoard to its rightful home a month ahead of schedule, but a staggering £900,000 of this has been raised by personal donations."

Staffordshire County Council leader Councillor Philip Atkins said he wants the fundraising to continue.

He said £5million needs to be raised to create a Mercian Trail.The gold was found in a field at Hammerwich, on the Burntwood/Brownhills border. A fresh dig will start at the site next week