A KEEN treasure hunter who has unearthed three bronze axe heads, thought to be thousands of years old, said it was “every metal detectorist’s dream”.

Josh Carr, 27, made the discovery of a lifetime while scouring a field at the Knott in Millom on Sunday, with his brother, Stephen, 36.

The axe heads are believed to be from the late Bronze or early Iron Age and will now be assessed by experts.

Josh, who lives in Millom, said: “I’m still excited, still buzzing. It was our first time there. It looked like a good field. I found the first one and my brother helped me find the other two.”

Josh took up the hobby five years ago but this was his brother’s first time using a metal detector.

“He was really excited,” Josh said. “It was nice I got to share that excitement with him, as well.

“I’ve never found anything like this before. It was without shadow of a doubt, my best find. I’ll never forget the day.

“It’s every metal detectorist’s dream of finding a hoard or just one of those axe heads. It’s on everyone’s bucket lists. To find three, I feel really honoured.

“My best finds before this were a silver Roman coin. I found that in Millom, as well. I’ve also find an Iron Age terret ring in Millom.”

Josh is now in the process of declaring the axe heads, which will be handed over to the Dock Museum in Barrow.  It could take years for the artefacts to be assessed.

By law, finders of potential treasure must legally notify their local coroner.

An inquest will determine whether the find is treasure. If the coroner rules it is, the finder must offer it for sale to a museum. A reward is then shared between the finder and landowner.

Josh said he would like to keep the items and have them on display in a cabinet but realises he may not be able to.

In the meantime, he will continue to look for hidden treasure.

He said: “I’m just carrying on, finding more treasure. It is the best hobby you can do.”

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