Calls for the Staffordshire Hoard to be permanently displayed in the West Midlands were backed today by Culture Minister Margaret Hodge.

Items from the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found, which was discovered in a field between Brownhills and Burntwood, are on temporary show in Birmingham, but Ms Hodge wants a lasting home to be found close to where it was discovered.

She was telling the Museums Association conference in London that the hoard offers a “unique” insight into Anglo-Saxon times and should be housed where local people can “marvel” at their heritage.

Queues stretched out of the doors of the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery when items from the hoard were put on display there last month. The treasure will be showcased until October 13, when it will then be assessed by the Treasure Valuation Committee.

Ms Hodge said: “The Staffordshire Hoard offers an incredible – and completely unique – insight into Anglo-Saxon times.”