ROOT out your attic and dust off your china - an event no antiques fan will want to miss is coming to York next month, and it's all in a good cause.

David Battie, presenter of the BBC Antiques Roadshow and The Great Antiques Hunt programmes, and a former director of Sotheby's, is coming to an event aimed at helping hard-pressed local charity SNAPPY (Special Needs Activities and Play Provision York).

Mr Battie will present his one-man roadshow at the Castle BMW showroom in Clifton Moorgate, Clifton Moor, York, on Tuesday, December 5.

Another event at the showroom - a fashion show - has already raised £1,000 for SNAPPY, and customer care-events co-ordinator Clare Midgley said she hoped the antiques event would do as well or even better.

She had seen press reports about SNAPPY, which was clearly struggling, and added: "If we sponsor a charity it has to be a York-based one.

"Children in the area will benefit from the proceeds, and they richly deserve any money we can raise for them."

Clare said Browns, of York, Statement, of Low Petergate, and Pringle, of BAA McArthurGlen, had stands at the event, which raised £835 on ticket sales and BMW made up the total to £1,000.

At the antiques evening, which is open to members of the public, visitors will have the opportunity to bring in their cherished porcelain, ornaments, toys, clocks and other objects, for valuation, and to discuss them with the nationally famous expert.

The David Battie antiques evening, which organisers anticipate will be a well-attended event, is expected to start at 7pm, and doors close at 7.30pm.

Tickets, available in advance from Castle BMW, are £5 per head. Visitors bringing items for valuation will be asked to donate £1 per item to SNAPPY.

Tickets are expected to go quickly, and those interested in attending should book well in advance on 01904 693313.