Families can discover some of the most spectacular treasures ever found in Britain at Newcastle's Hancock Museum. Buried Treasure includes precious finds which were discovered by accident by farmers, beachcombers and, more recently, metal detector users. The exhibition, from the British Museum in London, runs until June 26. There will also be treasure-themed family fun activities during the school holidays. Buried Treasure features some of the country's most important artefacts, such as the magnificent Mildenhall Treasure, a beautiful example of late Roman silver craftsmanship and the subject of a famous short story by Roald Dahl. Another Roman find going on display is the Hoxne hoard, which was found in 1992 with the aid of a metal detector. This collection of gold and silver bracelets and coins is the largest hoard of Roman gold and silver ever found on British soil. Recent discoveries, such as the Iron Age gold jewellery found in Winchester and the stunning Bronze Age gold cup from Ringlemere, Kent, have revealed important new information about Britain's prehistory. One of the key aims of the exhibition is to celebrate the enormous contribution that the public has made in uncovering history. The vast majority of finds in the exhibition were uncovered by metal detectorists, who now account for 90% of all treasure discoveries. The exhibition also aims to challenge people's perceptions of what constitutes treasure. Although many of the objects are exquisite examples of craft with gold or silver or feature precious gems, even the lowliest object can be hugely significant to understanding our history. Steve McLean, curator of the Hancock Museum, said: "Buried Treasure is the most prestigious exhibition we have ever shown at the Hancock Museum. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people to see these breathtaking treasures in the North East." The British Museum will have a strong presence in the North East from now until the end of 2005 and will be working with Tyne & Wear Museums and the North East Regional Museums Hub as part of its Partnership UK Project. Forthcoming British Museum exhibitions in the North East include Sudan: Ancient Treasures, a fascinating insight into the Kingdoms of the Nile, at the Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, from March 12 to October 30. *Buried Treasure runs at the Hancock Museum until June 26. The museum is open 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 2pm-5pm Sunday. Adults £4.95, children/concessions £2.95, family ticket £13.50. | 
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