THEY were in use some 3,000 years ago.

But now a metal detecting fan has unearthed three ancient bronze axe heads in a field in Lindley.

Jason Michael Fallon made the find in August last year.

The Bronze Age axe heads, which date back to 800 or 1,000BC, were officially declared ‘treasure trove’ yesterday.

The Treasure Act of 1996 requires anyone finding ‘pre-historic’ and potentially-valuable items to report it to their local coroner’s office.

An inquest is then held to decide what happens to them.

The axe heads, dated at around 3,000 years old, are currently at the British Museum in London.

It is thought they could be worth about £200 each.

Coroner’s officer Steve Hepplestone told a Huddersfield inquest that Mr Fallon found the items – said to be in reasonably good condition – while metal detecting in a field in Lindley.

The exact location of the find is being kept secret but the landowner has been made aware.

Mr Fallon reported the find to a local museum and the coroner was informed.

Neither Mr Fallon nor the landowners attended the inquest.

The law states that any finds belong to the Crown but when items are declared ‘treasure’ the finder and landowner can request a reward.

In that case the items are valued by a special Treasure Valuation Committee.