A hoard of Iron Age artifacts discovered by a metal detectorist could alter our understanding of life in Britain 2,000 years ago, researchers have said.

An unsuspecting metal detectorist partaking in his hobby uncovered a huge hoard of Iron Age items buried in two ditches. Peter Heads made the astonishing discovery back in 2021, and archaeologists have been working to stabilise and examine the more than 800 items ever since.

Experts said the "Melsonby Hoard" unearthed in Yorkshire, northern England, is remarkable for its richness and variety, featuring ceremonial spears, chariots and horse harnesses decorated with coral from the Mediterranean.