I moved to Malvern a year ago to take up a new job after leaving the Royal Air Force. My 35 years in the service has seen me based in Norfolk/Suffolk for nine years, during which time I became an avid fan of metal detecting. The local farmers were as keen as I was to discover what items of historical interest lay buried beneath their fields. Sadly, since moving to the Malvern area I have found nowhere where I can carry out my hobby.

I understand the policy of the Malvern Hills Conservators because this exquisite countryside is for the benefit of everyone. However, I am a considerate detectorist and do not leave evidence of my activity. If any farmers in the area are prepared to grant me permission to metal detect on their land could they please be kind enough to contact me on 01684 576524 and we can agree a date.

Don't forget recent finds on farmland which have subsequently been sold to the British Museum for large sums which benefit the farmer, the finder and public that can see evidence of our early history hitherto lying underground.

Wg Cdr (retired) Gordon D Downs, Homestead Close, Malvern Wells.