Hundreds of antiques-collectors flocked to a fund-raising valuation day at East Riddlesden Hall on Wednesday.

Experts from Bonhams Auctioneers were on hand to price items and offer advice to excited enthusiasts at the National Trust property.

Antiques Roadshow BBC TV presenter Eric Knowles was faced with a huge queue of ceramics and china collectors. "I'm hoping to see some Rockingham pieces from Rotherham or some Leeds Creamware," he told us. "This is my Christmas. I never know what people are going to bring out of their bags. I've been doing this for the last 25 years. I never get tired of looking at ceramics.

"To come to East Riddlesden Hall is one of the highlights of my year. I have a special visa to come here because I'm from Nelson, over in Lancashire."

Visitors waited patiently with paintings, prints, chairs, silverware, jewellery, chess sets, toys, games, dolls and decorative arts. A retired woman from Settle brought her china to Mr Knowles. "I've just had this tea set valued at around £400," she said. "It's quite an old set from the late 19th century. It was probably made around 1890. I inherited it from my family."

Anthony Preston, 36, from Bradford, had picked up a surprise at a car boot sale. "I collect paintings mostly," he told us. "I once bought an Ellen Fawks oil painting at a sale in Blackpool. The Fawks family lived at Farnley Hall near Otley and were close friends with the landscape artist Turner. I seem to remember it cost me about £2.50. I've been offered £500 but I'd rather not sell it."

Liz Houseman, Assistant Property Manager at East Riddlesden Hall, explained how funds raised by the event are spent on restoration projects at the historic hall. "These valuations are taking place here in the Airedale Hall which was restored in 1992," she said. "The hall is constructed with untreated Green Oak from Kent which will gradually dry out. The hall is now used for a lot of functions and events. At the moment, we want to raise money to finance an ultraviolet sensor to monitor light levels on our textiles collection. We also want to restore an embroidered picture in the Great Chamber.

"It's good for local people to be able to have their pieces valued in Keighley. Most auctions and valuations take place in Harrogate. Last year we had about 600 visitors but this year we expect about 800."

Volunteer Derek Lee, 73, from Riddlesden, was working at the admissions desk. "I like helping out here because all the money is spent here improving the Hall," he said. "It doesn't go anywhere else. Bonhams are giving their services for free."

Maureen Atkinson, 65, of Keighley, was also helping out. "The ceramics and pottery are always very popular," she said. "Everybody has cups and saucers that have been given to them by their grandparents."

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