100s queue for Staffordshire Hoard tickets

Hundreds of people keen to see items from the Staffordshire Hoard on show in Lichfield this summer have snapped up free tickets.

The tickets, which were up for grabs for the first time on Monday, caused a stir in the city from residents wanting a chance to see the Anglo-Saxon treasures, discovered near Brownhills.

More than 1,800 people have obtained the passes to see the Staffordshire Hoard on Tour at Lichfield Cathedral. The Lichfield Garrick has been issuing tickets for the cathedral.

The theatre reported queues out of the door for several hours on Monday morning, with particular interest in the Evening Experience Tours, where groups of up to 30 people can gain exclusive access to the exhibition.

Canon Pete Wilcox, chancellor of the cathedral, said: "The cathedral is delighted to be working alongside partners to give local people the long-awaited chance to see the hoard.

"It's no surprise that demand has been so great — it's going to be an amazing exhibition and those who want to see it are advised to book their places quickly."

The Staffordshire Hoard, the largest ever find of Anglo-Saxon gold and valued at £3.3 million, was discovered in a farmer's field near Hammerwich, in 2009 sparking headlines around the world.

The exhibition will be in place from July 29 until August 21 and will feature more than 40 iconic items, including the folded cross, the biblical inscription and the seahorse, as well as some newly conserved pieces.

It will be open to the public free of charge and located in the Chapter House. A special series of tours will also be available at the cathedral.

Tickets are still available from the box office at the Garrick on Castle Dyke, Lichfield, by calling 01543 412121 or at www.lichfieldgarrick.com

The tour also takes in the Shire Hall in Stafford from July 2 to 24 and Tamworth Castle from August 27 to September 18. For further details on the historic find, visit www.staffordshirehoard.org.uk