Some of the 345 Bronze Age implements found in Boughton Malherbe
Pictures: Wayne Coomber

A hoard of Bronze Age items believed to be the biggest such find in Kent has been unearthed near Maidstone.

Two friends stumbled upon the rare and valuable discovery while out metal-detecting.

The impressive haul of 346 artefacts, which date from around 800BC, included swords, knives, scabbards, spears and an axe mould.

They were recovered from a farmer’s field in Boughton Malherbe. The discovery by Wayne Coomber and Nick Hales, both from Headcorn, is also believed to be the country’s fourth largest.

Mr Coomber said: "We couldn’t believe it, the finds just went on and on."

The artefacts, which are currently being examined by the British Museum, may be coming to Maidstone Museum eventually.

The cache was officially declared treasure trove at an inquest on Thursday.