FREE antiques valuation events are being held at Abbotsford House today and next month.

Roo Irvine, an antiques expert from Hansons Auctioneers, will be on hand to advise and help Borderers and try to unearth some hidden gems.

Hansons is a famous firm with bases in Derbyshire and London.

And it is run by Charles Hanson – a regular on TV programmes such as the BBC's Bargain Hunt and Flog It!

Roo told the Border Telegraph: "You never know, you may be sitting on a windfall.

"I’m really looking forward to meeting people and uncovering some treasures.

"I will be valuing antiques, jewellery, watches, gold, silver, ceramics, paintings and all types of collectables."

Anyone can attend and valuations are free. but voluntary donations will be invited for Abbotsford Trust – the former home of famous Scottish novelist, playwright, poet and historian Sir Walter Scott.

Although some people will just be seeking advice, anyone who wishes to sell at auction can consign items on the day to a forthcoming Hansons sale.

Charles Hanson said: "We have had some amazing finds at free valuation days like this and produced life-changing results for vendors.

"For example, one seller said she could retire after three Chinese bowls she sold with us fetched £62,000 at auction. They had been sitting in a cabinet for years after her father paid no more than £1 each for them at junk shops in the 1950s and 60s.

"On another occasion we took in a pair of Amphora vases entwined with dragons that were smashed and broken. Because of the damage, the estimate was £20-£30 and the owner joked that they’d nearly chucked them in the river.

"They were snapped up by an American buyer for £1,500, and bear in mind they would have had to pay buyer, restoration and transportation fees on top of that.

"Then there was a glass designed in 1900 by Austrian artist Koloman Moser, bought for 99p at a charity shop, which fetched £170 at auction.

"And in March an incomplete suffragette game, minus its playing board, called Pank-a-Squith sold for £620 from an estimate of £80-£120 at Hansons. It had been in the loft for years.

"The fact is a lot of people have items gathering dust at home that are valuable and they have no idea. Do bring us your treasures for valuation, even if you think they may be worthless.

"I often film in Scotland. It’s a place I know and love, hence my decision to bring Hansons’ friendly valuation team to Abbotsford."

Hansons will be offering free valuations at Abbotsford House on Wednesday, April 11, and Wednesday, May 9, from 11am-2pm.

To find out more, email rmorley@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk