A fundraising appeal to ensure the Staffordshire Hoard goes on public display in the Midlands has passed the £1 million mark.
The Art Fund is spearheading the attempt to buy the haul of Anglo-Saxon gold and has collected £1,080,000, including public donations of almost £500,000, in the first seven weeks of the appeal.
Art Fund director Stephen Deuchar described the landmark as excellent news for the campaign. The target is to raise £3.3 million by April 17.
Birmingham City Council is working with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to jointly acquire the Hoard, which comprises around 1,500 artefacts.
Birmingham's culture chief Martin Mullaney said raising £1 million is a significant milestone.
"The fact that almost half the total has come from members of the public shows just how much people have taken this fundraising campaign to their hearts.
"From day one the hoard has sparked massive interest across the world and we've had a number of international donations, underlining the widespread support to keep this unique collection in the Midlands."
