AS archaeologists celebrated the discovery of what could be the body of Richard III, a museum in the long-dead king’s favourite county had its own reason to be cheerful.

A rare 15th Century silver badge, probably worn by one of his noble followers, has been bought by the Yorkshire Museum, in York, thanks to the generosity of local organisations and the public.

The silver gilt livery badge in the form of a boar, a symbol of Richard III, was found by a metal detectorist in 2010, near Stillingfleet.

It is one of only a relatively small number ever found and, because it is silver-gilt, it would have once belonged to someone of high status.

An appeal hoped to the raise £2,000 needed to buy the badge, but significantly more money was donated, allowing the museum to now conserve, research and display the badge in ways which previously would not have been possible.

The money came through public donations, but the Richard III Society also pledged £2,000 which will be used to professionally clean the badge, carry out further research and to create a display.

Assistant curator of archaeology Natalie McCaul said: “We are thrilled that we are able to keep this rare badge in Yorkshire and for the public to enjoy.

“We could never have guessed how generous people would be and to get more than the requested amount shows the real interest there is in Richard III, in Yorkshire.

“We would like to say thank you to all of those people who donated. “ The badge will be on display from Saturday, September 22, for a short period of time before it is professionally conserved.