A Celtic fertility figure found by a detectorist near Royston has sold for double its estimated amount at auction.

The nude male figure, nicknamed 'Nobby', was found by retired HGV driver Bob Jemmett during an organised rally in Little Chishill in 2018, and dates back to the first century BC.

'Nobby' was sold for £3,000 in an Ancient Coins and Antiquities auction at Noonans Mayfair on Thursday, June 20.

Bob said: "It was really exciting watching the sale, but I am quite sad to see 'Nobby' go!

"I hope that he brings the new finder as much fun as he’s brought me and my friends over the years!"

Bob, who is 75, has been detecting for nearly 30 years and is married with two daughters and eight grandchildren.

READ MORE

He decided to sell 'Nobby' following a house burglary, and will spend the money on home improvements.

Describing the discovery, Bob said: "The weather was appalling with the rain lashing down, but I persevered and received a lovely signal from my Minelab 3030 detector.

"Digging down four inches, I uncovered a small bronze nude male figure which featured a prominent erection similar to the Cerne Abbas Giant that is carved into a hill in Dorset."