A METAL detectorist who has spent 14 years uncovering treasures across the UK has put pen to paper to share his finds. 

John Keen, 75, from Little Oakley, has found a multitude of treasure, from gold and silver coins to a flint tool used by our ancient ancestors over the last decade and a half. 

In action - John looking for findsIn action - John looking for finds (Image: John Keen)

One of John's favourite finds was a finely knapped arrowhead, which is the same age as the ancient monument Stonehenge, at around 4,500 years old.

John regularly showcases his finds with schools visits and puts on talks about the beauty and excitement of finding treasure.

And now he has begun writing for Treasure Hunting Magazine sharing his discoveries. 

John said: “My detecting journey has led me on to writing for Treasure Hunting Magazine and I’ve had 13 stories published to date. I cannot thank the editor Julian Evan-Hart and the team enough.

Ready - Metal detector in handReady - Metal detector in hand (Image: John Keen)

“As a lad I was never encouraged at school but could always write a tale, with most being rejected for poor spelling and grammar so I just gave up. From that shy boy to a 75-year-old author.

“Around a year ago a new adventure arrived when I was asked to do some talks to various groups and clubs.

Coins - Some serious history has been found by JohnCoins - Some serious history has been found by John (Image: John Keen)

“I find it so rewarding, especially the children’s talks as I can give them what I never had, hands on history by passing around my finds and even my precious flints.”

On one occasion John had nine pages in a single magazine, the longest in their history.

Ancient - This arrowhead is 4,500 years old, the same age as StonehengeAncient - This arrowhead is 4,500 years old, the same age as Stonehenge (Image: John Keen)

John gave a talk as recently as this month in Harwich. People were able to see all of John’s finds over the years, giving them an idea of what treasure can be found.

John’s first talk took place back in 1991. The talk was based on John’s solo cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats, raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Historical - This coin found by John dates back to 1819Historical - This coin found by John dates back to 1819 (Image: John Keen)

John managed more than 100 miles a day with a total mileage of 1,020. The ride took John eight and a half days to complete.

The next step for John is to start giving talks at care homes, where they can see all of his metal detecting finds.

John understands that those who reside in care homes will be able to relate more to the historical nature of his finds.