EXPERTS have revealed a hoard of treasure found near Ilminster at the weekend dates to around ... 2006 AD!

On Saturday, April 1, the Chard & Ilminster News' website reported how Dowlish Wake treasure hunter Chris Brewchorne struck gold when he unearthed 'mystery' items at an undisclosed location near Ilminster.

Chris has a reputation for significant finds after he spotted a Saxon stone carving being used as a cat's gravestone in the village in 2004.

The story sparked international media interest when the stone later sold for £200,000 at Sotheby's.

The recent pieces were adorned with 24-carat gold and gemstones and included a chalice, bowls, lidded jars, a small reliquary box and a fearsome-looking helmet.

Among the treasure he found a slab bearing the inscription 'OL OLAF RIP'.

On Saturday he said: "It is thought to be a Viking memorial, but Vikings were actually illiterate and often jumbled their letters, so it could have another meaning."

Now archaeologists have unravelled the inscription, which reads: 'April Fool.' The 'treasure' is actually lusterware, made by Chris at his pottery and gallery at Dowlish Wake.

Chris got the idea for adorning a range of pottery with gold and platinum after he spotted a decorated 13th century pot printed in the same Sotheby's auction catalogue as the Saxon stone.

"I saw the medieval treasure and decided to have a go at doing my own," he said.

News readers can now inspect Chris's 'treasure' as part of an exhibition at Dowlish Wake Pottery and Gallery, next to Perry's Cider.

There will also be an exhibition of watercolours by Nicky Clark and, sculpture by David Metcalf.