RARE finds unearthed by metal detector enthusiasts are helping archaeologists discover more about North-East history.

Relations between the metal detecting community and archaeologists, at one time seen as being at odds with each other, have vastly improved in recent years.

Efforts to bring detector-users into the archaeological community have largely been brought about by the Heritage Lottery-funded portable antiquities scheme.

It has seen the appointment of regional finds liaison officer Philippa Walton, who has logged thousands of objects found by detector-users across the North-East in the 18 months since she took up the post.

Among them are Roman artefacts unearthed by members of Durham's Dunelme Metal Detecting Club.

They have gone on show at Durham's Old Fulling Mill Museum of Antiquities.

The display, Finding Our Past, includes bronze and silver coins, pottery, brooches and other items of jewellery.

Display organiser and club member Kim Leach, said: "We're happy to have an opportunity to show some of our finds to members of the public. The portable antiquities scheme has been one of the most exciting developments in recent years, and has been instrumental in opening up the past to a new generation of enthusiasts."

Craig Barclay, curator of the Fulling Mill and other Durham University museums, said: "The mere fact that such a display is being mounted in a university museum speaks volumes for the positive way in which the links between professional archaeologists and amateur detectorists have developed.

"There's been a huge change in relations between the two fields in recent years and all for the better.

"We're all excited at the prospect of showing these 2,000-year-old artefacts to new audiences and hope that our friendly relations with our local detector club will last for many years to come."

The display runs for three months at the museum, on the riverbank footpath in Durham.

Opening is from Friday to Monday, between 11.30am and 3.30pm, with admission costing £1.50 for concessions, and £2.50 for family tickets.

Further information on the antiquities scheme can be found on the website www.finds.org.uk, while more details of the Fulling Mill display is available on 0191-334 1823.