Charles Hanson hosts antiques valuation day in Helmsley

Charles Hanson, star of Bargain Hunt, Flog It! and Antiques Road Trip, is coming to Helmsley as part of his UK-wide valuation day tours.

The 48-year-old is based at Hansons Auctioneers’ HQ at Etwall, near Derby – one of 11 salerooms across the country.

He also the host of the new TV show called Secrets of the Auction House, which sees Charles and his team unearth forgotten antiques around the UK.

Charles said he believed the historic Ryedale area – famed for its country houses, farming heritage and generations of family ownership – could produce some fascinating discoveries.

He said: “Helmsley is exactly the sort of place where exciting antiques can still emerge. Across North Yorkshire you find wonderful country house pieces, traditional oak and pine furniture, silver, clocks, militaria and agricultural bygones tucked away in family homes.

“With beautiful historic estates nearby and such a strong heritage culture in the area, I wouldn’t be surprised if we uncover one or two real surprises.”

Charles added: “But we’re not just looking for local antiques. With the price of gold the highest it has been since the 1970s, jewellery tucked away in trinket boxes is currently making huge amounts.

“When people bring in what they think are worthless bits of costume jewellery their jaws drop when I tell them that it could be worth thousands. “I always say every house has one great valuable squirrelled away and nothing gives me more pleasure than unearthing them.”

Charles said: “No appointment is necessary, just turn up with your hidden treasures and, who knows, you could discover you are sitting on a goldmine.”

” At one walk-in valuation in Birmingham a blue and white Chinese pot, known to the family simply as “Aunt Beryl’s vase”, went on to sell for £800,000.”

Members of the public are invited to take their treasures for expert advice and free auction valuations to Helmsley Arts Centre on June 16, from 11am to 1pm.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to consign items for future Hanson’s auctions.