ANTIQUES expert Thomas Plant helped raise £1,270 for St Mary s Church in Eaton Socon by casting his eye over some family heirlooms and keepsakes. Thomas, who regularly appears on the BBC television programme, Flog It!, was married at the church and return

ANTIQUES expert Thomas Plant helped raise £1,270 for St Mary's Church in Eaton Socon by casting his eye over some family heirlooms and keepsakes.

Thomas, who regularly appears on the BBC television programme, Flog It!, was married at the church and returned on Saturday, January 27, to help with fundraising.

Residents from Eaton Socon, St Neots and further afield were invited to attend a valuation day at the church and get some expert advice in return for a donation.

Thomas and his colleague gave valuations on almost 200 items - from paintings and ceramics to jewellery.

"It was brilliant," he said. "I would definitely do it again, maybe late this year or early next year."

The money raised will be used for ongoing work on the church work. Further fundraising events are also being planned.

Linda Walton, a member of the parish church council, said: "It was absolutely wonderful. A really fun day with lots of people and smiles.

"It was nice as many people's interest was mainly in the history of their items rather than the money value.

"We would like to say thank you to all the local companies for their wonderful donations. They were all very generous.