More than 4,000 people have flocked to see a collection of Roman coins and artefacts since it opened its doors a month ago.

The internationally-important Hallaton Treasure was unveiled to the public in September, nine years after it was unearthed in a farmer's field.

The land yielded more than 5,000 gold and silver coins, a silver guilt Roman helmet, and scores of other bowls and implements.

It also gave up piles of sacrificed pig bones which has fascinated archaeologists.

The exhibition which is housed in a state of the art installation in Harborough museum is part of a near £1million restoration and revamp project backed by County Hall.

County museums spokesman Councillor Ernie White said: "We had hoped the upgrade of the museum in Market Harborough would double visitor numbers to 20,000 a year.

"The numbers of people who have seen the exhibition are fantastic and far outstrip what we anticipated.

"We had more than 4,000 people visit in the first month since it opened on September 19.

"The museum certainly does justice to the internationally important find which gives a great insight into the Romans and the people who lived in the area 2,000 years ago."

He said: "I am confident it will continue to bring people into the town and they will spend money boosting the economy of Market Harborough."

The museum has been upgraded and the finds restored thanks to a partnership which includes the British Museum.

It includes examples of the coins found, artefacts, replica Roman helmets and videos of the history of the discovery and the restoration project.

The Roman helmet is being restored in the British Museum and an internet link is being set up so that people can see the work in progress.

It is hoped to bring the restored helmet to Market Harborough for display.

On Tuesday Professor Sir Barry Cunliffe, of the British Museum unveiled a plaque at the museum in Adam and Eve Street.

He said: "The Treasure exhibition is a fantastic outcome of community archaeology in the county over many years, and the project will be the envy of museums here and abroad."

County council chairman councillor Roger Wilson said: "The Roman helmet, which is a particularly exciting find, is being conserved by the some of the best conservators in the world and the public also get to witness the process step by step via the webcam."

Market Harborough county councillor Sarah Hill said: "I think the new exhibition is exceptional. I am very pleased people are taking the opportunity to come to the district in such large numbers to see it."

Other projects linked to the Hallaton Treasure include an exhibition detailing the work of the people who uncovered the treasure at Hallaton Museum.