I am thrilled that the Stafforshire Hoard has been secured to stay in the Midlands following their fundraising campaign to save it. I was recently lucky enough to see the Hoard close up. I recently met with representatives from art charity, The Art Fund - the UK's leading independent art charity dedicated to saving important artworks for the public to enjoy - in Westminster where part of the Hoard was on display.

It was incredible to see the Hoard, it really is a fantastic sight and one that I want all Brummies to be able to enjoy. It's really important that we secure collections like these to make sure they don't gather dust somewhere no-one can see and I'm fully behind The Art Fund's campaign and it's great that they've been successful.

The Hoard was discovered in July 2009 by Terry Herbert, a metal detector enthusiast, near his home in Lichfield, Staffs. The Hoard has been valued at £3.3million and The Art Fund are leading the campaign to buy and keep the Hoard in the West Midlands. The aim is for the Hoard to be acquired jointly for the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent. But the charity, along with the local councils, needed to raise £3.3million by the 17^th April otherwise the Hoard could be sold on the open market. This was raised ahead of schedule and it was announced that the Hoard would stay in the Midlands today.