BIG SUCCESS: An exhibition showcasing the Staffordshire Hoard was yesterday

named the most successful ever staged by Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Almost 65,000 people visited the museum during the 19-day display of the find. Of them, 40,063 people saw the display, an average of 2,108 people per day.

On Saturday alone, 5,964 people went through the museum's doors to have a look at the treasure, which was found by a metal detector in July.

The museum successfully negotiated for a public display of the items and said the resulting crowds are testimony to its success.

Councillor Martin Mullaney, cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture at Birmingham City Council, said: "Working together with our partner, the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent, as well as other partner museums in Staffordshire, I know we can return the hoard to its rightful home in the region formerly known as Mercia."