ANTIQUES experts discovered a number of treasures when the people of York brought their heirlooms to a free valuation event at the Bar Convent in Blossom Street.

Among the finds was a set of watercolours by the York artist George Fall, which were valued at £1,000.

The team of experts included Nigel Smith, a regular on the BBC antiques shows Flog It! and Bargain Hunt.

Other interesting items brought to the event included an album full of vintage stamps, some dating back to the earliest days of the postal service, a buffalo-hide model of a canoe and an embroidery sampler from 1894.

Bernadette Jervis, of Tennants auctioneer’s which hosted the event, said: “It was fantastic. It was busy from start to finish.

“We did over 75 valuations during the day and most people had somebody else with them so it brought about 150 people.

“It was lovely to see the convent alive like that.”

“We pulled out the George Fall because he is a York artist and all the scenes were watercolours of sites such as Bootham.

“Three times a year we do a catalogue sale and the George Falls will go in to the July sale.”

Mrs Jervis said the four paintings could expect to sell for about £400 for a pair and up to £1,000 for all four. The next sale hosted by Tennants will take place in Leyburn on March 24.

However, a private view of the items will take place on March 21, when all proceeds will be donated to the York Minster Fund.