THERE were no old masters found when antique owners took along their treasures to be valued, just a wealth of history waiting to be uncovered.

Hospice supporters showed possessions to auctioneer Bonhams at St Mary's Church Hall in Barnard Castle to raise funds for Bishop Auckland's Butterwick Hospice.

They turned up with everything from a ventriloquist's dummy to a walking stick for experts to value and describe.

Hospice fundraiser Sylvia Stoneham said: "I think people are just as interested in the history as the value.

"Sometimes, items have been handed down over the years and the owners like to know how old they are and where they were made."

The hospice is arranging another valuation day at West Auckland next spring.