A collection of more than 1,500 Anglo-Saxon artefacts - discovered in July 2009 by metal detectorist Terry Herbert - has been saved for the nation.

The National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) has confirmed a cash boost of nearly £1.3m to ensure the Staffordshire Hoard - the largest amount of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found in Britain - stays in the UK. NHMF funding has been awarded to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent to help meet the hoard's £3.3m purchase price.

A fundraising appeal was unveiled in February by historian Dr David Starkey with an initial grant of £300,000 from the Art Fund, with both Birmingham City Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council providing £100,000 each. Donations from members of the public have also contributed towards efforts to safeguard the Staffordshire Hoard, which features artefacts dating back to the 7th century.

NHMF chair Dame Jenny Abramsky said: "The Staffordshire Hoard is an extraordinary heritage treasure. It is exactly the sort of thing the National Heritage Memorial Fund was set up to save, stepping in as the 'fund of last resort' when our national heritage is at risk." Culture minister Margaret Hodge added: "The great thing about the National Heritage Memorial Fund - and the reason we fought so hard to maintain its funding for next year in a tight economic climate - is that it can move quickly to help save items at very short notice. The Staffordshire Hoard is a great example of this."

Image: NHMF chair Dame Jenny Abramsky with an item of Anglo-Saxon gold