TREASURE hunters can uncover precious artefacts while raising cash for good causes, thanks to a burgeoning organisation.

Dorset and West Pastfinders gives those seeking precious items from the past access to farmers' fields on organised digs, while boosting the coffers of charities in the county, and often helping the farmers too.

Founder Malcolm Andrews has raised some £30,000 from digs around rural Dorset and beyond since he established the organisation two years ago.

Assisted by his partner Glenda Froud and David Witcombe, Malcolm approaches farmers in the county to ask if they have fields that treasure hunters can search for precious finds.

He said: "We usually aim for at least an acre a person if we can, but two or three if possible.

"People bring their own tools and will pay a fee to take part, but everything we make goes to the farmers and the charities.

"Sometimes the farmers might be a bit hard up with the difficult conditions they are experiencing at the moment, so they may keep the cash, or it may be split between them and a charity."

Charities the organisation has supported in the past include the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Dorset-based bowel cancer charity the Ducks and Drakes Cancer Trust and Forest Holme Hospice in Poole.

Malcolm, of Blandford Forum, a driver with the E-zec ambulance service, says the fundraising has been vital for some of the farmers who have struggled in the past.

He added: "Many dairy farmers are struggling, particularly and are being forced to move into other areas, and it has been good to be able to provide financial help.

"We have also aided farmers in renovations of their buildings."

Treasurer hunters have also enjoyed some memorable finds.

Malcolm said: "People have found all sorts of items, from Roman, medieval and Celtic coins to jewellery and other artefacts.

"There's a feel-good factor for everyone involved, and sometimes the money people make from selling their finds will be given in whole or in part to charity too."

For more information about Dorset and West Pastfinders see www.spanglefish.com/dorsetandwestpastfinders/index.asp?pageid=675177 or search for the organisation on Facebook.

Alternatively contact Malcolm on 07516 079875.