UKIP West Midlands MEP Mike Nattrass has this week called on people to support a major fundraising drive to keep the UK’s largest haul of Anglo-Saxon gold treasure in region.

The MEP, who is a member of the EU’s Transport and Tourism Committee, issued the plea this week as fundraisers have until April 17 to raise the £3.3million needed to keep the Staffordshire Hoard in the West Midlands.

Staffordshire County Council has expressed a wish for the collection to remain in Staffordshire and if the fundraiser proves successful the hoard would be jointly acquired by Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery and the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent.

The Staffordshire Hoard is a collection of more than 1,500 items which was discovered last July by Terry Herbert on farmland in southern Staffordshire. But, time is fast ticking away to raise the cash needed to keep the impressive collection in the region.

Mr Nattrass, who is standing as UKIP’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate in South Staffordshire, said: “This collection is the UK’s largest haul of Anglo-Saxon treasure and is a fantastic discovery.

“I believe, like Staffordshire County Council, that the Staffordshire Hoard should remain in the West Midlands.

“Having the hoard on permanent display in the region could bring more tourism and visitors to the area.

“I urge people to support the fundraising campaign and ensure this collection is kept where it belongs – here in the West Midlands,” he added.

To support the appeal log on to www.artfund.org and for further information about the hoard visit www.staffordshirehoard.org.uk.

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