First it was major Roman ruins found on St Andrew's Ridge, now a unique artifact from Saxon times has been found as the North Swindon development slowly reveals its history.

Last year eagle eyed digger driver Greg Moss spotted something interesting whilst excavating house foundations on a Bovis housing development. On jumping down he picked up a disc which, after showing his wife, Greg took to Swindon Museum in Old Town to see if it had any value.

Principal Museums Curator Robert Dickinson said, "we knew almost immediately that Greg's find was a bit special after comparing the disc with pictures. We sent it to the British Museum for confirmation as it is the first time something like this has been found in the Swindon area"

He explained that the disc is made of copper alloy from Saxon times from the early 600s AD. The animal shapes etched into it are similar to Saxon art in France and the hole in the centre would have held a boss with a semi-precious stone, probably a garnet. On the reverse are traces of solder and a hole for a rivet, suggesting that the disc would have originally been fixed to another object, such as a shield.

Although found on the Bovis site, the company offered it to the museum for public display and Greg received a reward for his keen observation and quick thinking. The disc can be seen at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery from Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 2pm to 5pm. Admission is free.