SPECIALISTS will be on hand to answer your questions about your family heirlooms at a special event in December.

Whether carefully passed down or found tucked away in the attic, items from jewellery to pottery to militaria will be welcomed at Fishmore Hall Hotel and Boutique Spa in Ludlow on December 1.

Specialists from Shrewsbury-based fine art auction house Halls Fine Art will be at the venue to value items and answer your questions, free of charge, from 10am to 2pm.

The free valuations are by prior appointment with Halls Fine Art. Call 01743 450700 or email fineart@hallsgb.com to arrange your appointment.

Home visits can also be arranged, while those with large antiques to be valued may take along photographs to show the specialists.

Silver and jewellery specialist Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley and Asian art, clocks, watches and furniture specialist Alexander Clement will provide the valuation service. They are especially looking forward to seeing fine art, antiques, silver, jewellery, Asian art, watches and militaria.

Ludlow has been a happy hunting ground for Halls Fine Art over the years, a spokesperson for the business said, with a series of consigned items selling very well at auction. One of the most recent consignments from the town included two diamond rings that sold for £5,200 and £5,000.

“We know from past experience that there are treasures just waiting to be discovered in Ludlow and the surrounding area,” said Ms Lineker-Mobberley.

“We have found absolute gems at our free valuation events across Shropshire and surrounding counties, including a Chinese bottle vase that sold for £150,000, despite being damaged.

“People sometimes have no idea how valuable items are and it’s very rewarding to be able to deliver the good news to them.

“Receiving an up-to-date valuation of silver, jewellery, pictures and antiques is important for homeowners, as markets fluctuate. Based on what we tell them, they might need to review their home contents insurance cover, as they will not want to be underinsured in the unfortunate event of having to make a claim.”

Halls Fine Art holds regular valuation sessions at the company’s Battlefield head office and saleroom in Shrewsbury for fine art, silver, jewellery and watches, Asian art, ceramics, books, manuscripts and maps, clocks and furniture, coins, stamps and militaria.

Anyone wishing to make a valuation appointment is asked to contact Halls Fine Art on Tel: 01743 450700.