A metal detector struck lucky when he discovered treasure thought to be more than 500-years-old in Sarratt.

The remains of two post-medieval thimbles were discovered earlier this year, an inquest heard today.

The two "clearly quite damaged" silver thimbles, which were decorated in fleur-de-lis, were found by a metal detector in June.

Hertfordshire Coroners Court heard how the squashed thimbles were discovered after the metal detector agreed with the Sarratt landowner that he could search his land.

Coroner Edward Thomas told the court the thimbles were believed to have been made sometime between the mid-sixteenth century and mid-seventeenth century.

The thimble fragments reached a maximum height of 30mm, had a maximum width of 22.2mm, with the widest thickness being 0.4mm.

The total weight of the remains was 4.4 grams and the some of the pieces still retain nail damage.

Mr Thomas said that, because the remains contain silver, "there is a precious metal content".

He added: "I am satisfied that, because it’s over 300 years old that it qualifies as treasure."

The thimble parts are currently at the British Museum and are waiting for an evaluation committee to determine how much they are worth.