A POST-MEDIEVAL gold ring has been discovered on the Isle of Wight.

The historic find, dating from somewhere between 1550 and 1650, was declared treasure at a treasure inquest, held at the Isle of Wight Coroner's Court last week.

Lewis Ferrero, finds liaison officer with the British Museum, appeared before the coroner to present the discovery on behalf of the Isle of Wight Council.

The 1996 Treasure Act requires people who discover artefacts made of precious materials to declare them — and allow a museum to make an offer for the item before it can be sold.

The ring, which was found by a Mr Perez on land owned by a Mr Bevis, was inscribed with the motto 'yield to reason', spelt in old English.

It was found in Newchurch on February 28, 2020, through the use of a metal detector.

Described as a complete gold ring, Mr Perez said he was part of a treasure hunting club for many years, but it was the first piece of treasure he had found which needed declaring.

Coroner Caroline Sumeray thanked Mr Perez for obeying the law and declaring his discovery.