A POST-medieval silver dress hook found near Wem 'is treasure,' a coroner has declared.

The dress fastener was discovered near Wem by Daniel Cookson in January earlier this year.

The inquest which was held in Shirehall in Shrewsbury on Thursday, April 6 heard the fastener dated from between 1500 and 1600.

The Shropshire Telford and Wrekin chief coroner, John Ellery read a report prepared by the finds liaison officer for Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside, Heather Beeton.

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The report said: "The find is complete silver dress hook dating to the post-medieval period.

"The dimensions are length 23mm for the length, 10mm for the width and three grams for the weight.

"Such hooks were worn during the post-medieval period in order to secure items of clothing.

Whitchurch Herald:

"The object is composed of more than 10 percent precious metals which is more than 300 years in age.

"It therefore, constitutes potential treasure under the Treasure Act 1996."

Mr Ellery concluded: "On that evidence, I declare it to be treasure."