The 22-carat nugget was unearthed by a treasure hunter, who wishes to remain anonymous, while he utilised a method called “sniping” which involves the diver using a snorkel, dry suit and hand tools to search the river bed.

The lump of gold is the biggest of its kind in the UK, weighing 121.3g.

The Times reports it is thought to be worth £80,000.

It was found in two pieces which fit together perfectly but leave a small hole in the middle, which earned it the name Reunion Nugget.