A RARE Anglo-Saxon brooch unearthed in Oxfordshire has gone on show in Banbury.

The piece of jewellery was found in West Hanney in 2009, has been loaned to the Banbury Museum until April 27 by Oxfordshire County Council’s museum service.

The brooch, which dates from the 7th century, was discovered during a metal-detecting rally in West Hanney, near Wantage, in 2009, and an excavation then revealed the skeleton of a woman aged about 25 and two small pots.

Cherwell District Council deputy leader George Reynolds said: “We’re very lucky to be able to put this artefact on display at Banbury Museum.

“It’s a beautiful object of both national and local importance and follows on from similar historic displays at the museum that have proved very popular.”

Museum Plus Club members will be able to attend a special viewing of the brooch and a talk from Oxfordshire Museum Service curator of archaeology Dr Christopher Ferguson on Thursday, February 21 at 7.30pm.

For details of membership, email simon.townsend@ cherwell-dc.gov.uk or call 01295 753781.