As the harvest is gathered in the Meon valley, a bountiful collection of hundreds of antiques and collectibles is also been collected for a charity auction.

Celebrity auctioneer Jonathan Pratt will bring down his gavel on the first item within minutes of the auction opening at 6pm on Saturday October 17, promising to keep up an entertaining and fast-paced sale until more than 300 lots have gone at the end of the night.

Jonathan, who is best known for his appearances on BBC1’s Bargain Hunt, is the managing director of Bellman’s Auctioneers in Wisborough Green. He’s been advising a team of volunteers running the sale on the valuation of donated goods that span the centuries. Amongst a bulging catalogue is silverware from the 1800s through to retro Ercol furniture from the 1960s.

The auctioneer lives in Steep with his wife and four children. Jonathan said: “I’m delighted to be selling so many wonderful lots at the auction, knowing that the proceeds will benefit local charities. People have been incredibly generous in donating an impressive range of items, and with no ‘buyers premium’ this really is the chance for people to bid, and quite possibly bag a bargain.”

East Meon Village Hall will be transformed into a saleroom for the night, with a pizza van and bar to satisfy the needs of hungry and thirsty auction-goers.

Viewing of the lots starts at 6pm on Friday 16th October, and all day from 10am on the day of the sale. The collection of china, glass, silver, jewellery, pictures, furniture, textile, rugs and retro items can all be seen before bidding starts.

Catalogues will cost £2, the price including a free glass of wine on auction night.

All money raised will be shared between two local good causes - The Rosemary Foundation, a charity that provides a full palliative care nursing service for patients suffering from life-threatening conditions in their own home, and the historic All Saints Church in East Meon.

It may still not be too late to donate items. Contact Hazel Rendle on 01730 823598. More information on the auction can be found at www.eastmeon.org.uk