ONE man's loss was another man's gain - 700 years on.

Robert Davies found the valuable gold and silver ring on Lache Lane, Marlston cum Lache, and is a waiting a valuation decision.

He said: 'The area used to be Lache Marshes and even now it fills with water. Someone with money must have paid to be ferried out in a punt and lost it.'

The late 13th or early 14th Century ring is in good condition and still has gilt in the cracks around the Lombardic lettering, which reads 'Ave Maria Gracia Plena', meaning 'Hail Mary full of grace'.

It was found when Mr Davies, of Handbridge, went metal detecting on Decoy Farm with Mold Historical Search Society, and will hopefully stay in Chester.

Chester Coroner's Court last week declared the ring was treasure due to its age and precious metal content, and now the Grosvenor Museum will try to muster the cash to keep it in the city.