SUFFOLK sleuths are near the top of the table when it come to unearthing buried treasure.Only neighbouring Norfolk has dug-up more hidden gems according to new figures – proving East Anglia has gone metal detector mad.

SUFFOLK sleuths are near the top of the table when it come to unearthing buried treasure.

Only neighbouring Norfolk has dug-up more hidden gems according to new figures – proving East Anglia has gone metal detector mad.

The news that Suffolk is one of the treasure capitals of the UK comes just days after a historic village was uncovered during building work in Warren Heath.

Builders digging foundation trenches for new homes in Murrils Road found four bones.

But archaeologists believe the site – which could date back nine centuries – could contain hundreds of skeletons.

And with sites like Sutton Hoo among Suffolk's long links with historical invaders, it is perhaps unsurprising to discover our earth is so full of surprises.

Government ministers are claiming the credit for a rise in the amount of reported treasure finds.

Changes to the ancient treasure trove law have made it easier for metal-detector enthusiasts to report their discoveries.

Arts minister baroness Blackstone, promised more changes to improve the Act further and include more artifacts.

"It has led to more finds being offered to museums, which benefits the public and has increased the knowledge of artifacts and where they can be found around the country," said baroness Blackstone.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport revealed 221 items of treasure were reported in 2000 compared to an annual figure of about 24 before changes to the Act.

Fantastic finds in 2000 included bronze age necklaces found in Milton Keynes and iron age jewellery unearthed near Winchester.