A NUMBER of buried treasure troves were discovered in Cumbria last year, figures reveal.

Data from the British Museum and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport shows that 18 discoveries of treasure were found in the county during 2020.

It means a total of 113 finds have been reported in Cumbria since records began in 2012, the figures show.

Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the number of treasure finds topped 1,000 for the seventh year in a row in 2020 – 1,077 were recorded last year.

The British Museum said restrictions on people's exercise during coronavirus lock downs contributed to a boost in unexpected garden discoveries last year.

All treasure found must be declared to the coroner by law.