A TELEVISION antiques expert was on hand to help visitors to the Kings Arms in Mickleton.

The valuation event hosted by Hanson’s Auctioneers opened its doors to a dozen expectant visitors that had started to form shortly after 10am.

Footfall was brisk for the entire event with antiques enthusiasts coming from the Cotswolds, the Vale of Evesham, Stratford and Coventry.

Antiques expert and TV star, Charles Hanson was suffering from a chest infection and was forced to make his apologies.

However the team from Hanson’s, comprising local ceramics expert Alison Davey, Jim Spencer and Kate Bliss of Bargain Hunt, Flog It! Secret Dealers and Put Your Money Where Your Mouth is, were delighted with the treasures unearthed at the event.

Amongst the finds were a diamond encrusted art deco watch, a presentation ivory and silver composer’s baton from the Cambridge Music School dated 1905, and the printed designs for the arts and crafts finger plates for Buckingham Palace.

The most popular item was a box dated 1697 which was believed to be from the home of Anne Hathaway.

Previously valued by the Antiques Roadshow the box will be offered for sale at Hanson’s Derbyshire sale room later this year.