"When I saw the photographs and she explained the full story, I knew that it could be of great historical interest and importance, " Sam Tuke of Bonhams in Exeter is quoted as saying.

BBC: UK garden step 'is ancient Sri Lankan moonstone' artefact

"Any de-scope we may have to face would be a loss of great importance for Europe and is something we are not ready to accept, " said Dr Gimenez.

BBC: Esa-Nasa Mars missions' race against clock

In a statement, Radboud University hailed the ruling and said: "...in a democratic society it is of great importance that the results of scientific research can be published".

BBC: Oyster cards, PA

Great importance must be given to the promotion and protection of the human rights of persons belonging to groups which have been rendered vulnerable, including migrant workers, the elimination of all forms of discrimination against them, and the strengthening and more effective implementation of existing human rights instruments.

UNESCO: Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action