Hoard of gold found hidden in piano

A substantial amount of gold - described as "potential treasure" - has been found hidden in a piano in Shropshire.

The discovery was made when the new owners decided to tune the instrument, an inquest heard.

The items are being kept safe in an unknown location "under lock and key", following the discovery.

Experts said that the hoard appeared to have been deliberately hidden inside the upright piano, which was made by Broadwood & Sons of London.

The family of the person who put the treasure in the chest are being sought. If they are traced, they have a claim. If not, the items belong to the crown.

An inquest has now been opened to determine whether the hoard, discovered before Christmas in the piano in South West Shropshire, qualifies as treasure under the terms defined by the Treasure Act (1996).

For a hoard less than 300-years-old to be treasure, it must be substantiallymade of gold or silver, deliberately concealed by the owner with a view to later recovery and the owner, or his or her present heirs or successors, must be unknown.

An inquest was opened on Thursday at Shrewsbury Coroner's Court, where the coroner is seeking evidence about the nature of the find.

The inquest will be resumed and concluded on March 16.