FOR 12 years a Cwmbran treasure hunter has been unearthing ancient relics from our Roman past.

With his trusty metal detector pensioner Tom Smith, 72, has dug deep searching for coins and other valuable Roman artefacts, discovering more than 140 items.

Now some of his haul, including coins, jewellery and military equipment, is taking pride of place in a special museum exhibition.

Mr Smith, of Waterside Court, Old Cwmbran, found the haul at the settlement of Ariconium, the second largest iron working site in Iron Age Britain located between Weston-under-Penyard and Bromsash in Herefordshire.

A selection of Mr Smith's metalwork archaeological finds is being put on display in an exhibition called 'Fabulous Finds' at Hereford Museum and Art Gallery.

He said: "This represents more than 12 years of hard searching at the site.

"I'm thrilled that the museum is exhibiting my finds. "More often than not I just dig up junk, but now and then I find something exciting. I wanted to give them to the museum so they could be saved for future generations to enjoy. It's an important part of our heritage.

"You may make a little bit of money from some of the items, but there's more to life than money."

Mr Smith, a former security guard at Crindau gasworks, Newport, made headlines in 1985 for finding 19 gold sovereigns buried in Barrack Hill, Newport, and has also unearthed a Bronze-age sword near Usk.