BOBBY dazzlers took centre stage at a Kendal auction, when the star of a popular antiques show helped transform Cumbria’s hidden treasures into saleroom success stories.

David Dickinson and the team from ITV’s Dickinson’s Real Deal were among the hundreds of people who attended the newly amalgamated General Sale and Bi-monthly Catalogue Sale at Kendal Auction Rooms (KAR) on Sandylands Road.

Having already recruited a number of sellers at a Dealer’s Day in Penrith, the event saw the larger than-life antiques expert lend his support throughout the sales process.

“The TV crews always attract extra people but for us it has become second nature as they have been several times now,” said Kevin Kendal, salesroom manager at KAR. “David is a very loud and flamboyant character but he is also really down to earth and you can have a good chat with him.”

Among the diverse collectables to feature on the TV programme are a First World War brass gift tin, a novelty table lighter, a Liberty & Co tudric pewter tea canister and a 17th century Cabasset helmet.

The decision to combine the fortnightly general and catalogue sales to create one monthly event is aimed at creating larger sales with more choice, as well as giving valuers more time to research and catalogue lots.

Open to Internet bidders at Mysaleroom.com, the inaugural auction certainly did not disappoint, with a wide selection of top quality goods attracting local and international collectors.

Top price of the day was achieved by an Edwardian Diamond Brooch, which fetched £1,500.

This was closely followed by a 19th century bracket clock, which was sold to a phone bidder for £1,200, a hotly contested portfolio of David Bailey photographs which fetched £1,000, and a Georgian chest which realised £900.

Of particular local interest was a collection of furniture by the famous Kendal Arts and Crafts cabinetmaker Arthur Simpson, including a mahogany work companion cabinet that sold for £330.

KAR next auction takes place on July 7-8.