A Bronze Age dagger found on the Isle of Wight, which is more than 3000 years old, has been donated to Isle of Wight Council’s Museum of Island History.

The dagger was found by Island resident Dave Clark, who discovered it while using his metal detector in a field in the West Wight.

He kindly donated the dagger to the museum, along with the permission of the landowner.

The piece will now be conserved before going on display at the museum, which is based at Newport Guildhall on the High Street. It is hoped it will be available for public viewing by February.

Isle of Wight Council Deputy Leader George Brown said

“I want to thank Mr Clark and the landowner for donating the dagger. Its historical importance, having lain buried for over 3000 years, cannot be overstated.

“It is very important we preserve the history of the Isle of Wight and there are many items on display at the Museum of Island History which show how the Island has changed through the ages.

“It is very much appreciated when items are donated to the museum as this helps protect the finds as well as allowing the council to secure and preserve other finds, which may otherwise go off-Island”

Anyone who makes archaeological finds can take them for identification and recording to Frank Basford, IW Council Finds Liaison Officer with the Portable Antiquities Scheme. He can be contacted on (01983) 823810

The Portable Antiquities Scheme is a voluntary scheme for the recording of archaeological objects found by members of the public. It was established to promote the recording of chance finds and broaden public awareness of the importance of such objects for understanding our past.