A TREASURE hunter is set to receive his reward five years after he unearthed a hoard of Viking coins. Andy Whewell discovered 464 silver Viking coins, 26 silver ingots and an armlet in a field in Glenfaba in March 2003.

After being declared treasure trove, part of the Glenfaba hoard went on display in the Viking Galley at the Manx Museum. Mr Whewell and Manx National Heritage were locked in a lengthy battle over the value of the discovery.

In May, MNH vice-chairman Alex Downie MLC called for Tynwald to approve a payment of £275,000 for the find but the matter was adjourned after Peel MHK Tim Crookall revealed five valuations had been commissioned ranging from £166,000 to £490,000.

Last week Tynwald agreed to award Mr Whewell £300,000 for the find. It followed a meeting between the parties at which it was resolved that one of the valuations, which was 12 months old, would be revised to £298,261 taking into account market changes, Mr Downie explained.

After a five year wait Mr Whewell said he was glad it had come to an end but will continue looking for treasures with his trusty metal detector.

Chief Minister Tony Brown admitted: ‘This has been a real long struggle to get this matter sorted out.’ He said all parties were frustrated as they had had to use legislation dating back to the 1500s.