A FIRM of estate agents and valuers, which has helped people find their dream home in the Cotswolds for over 150 years is supporting a local charity that has been providing temporary accommodation for homeless youngsters for a quarter of a century.

 

Antiques auctioneers from Moore Allen & Innocent are hosting a valuation day to help Cirencester Housing for Young People (CHYP), which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

 

Auctioneer Philip Allwood, a regular face on TV shows including Bargain Hunt, Flog It and Dickinson's Real Deal, will conduct expert valuations from the charity's shop – aptly named the Chyp Shop – in the centre of Cirencester.

 

Owners will pay £3 per item – or £5 for two items – to have their antiques valued, with all proceeds going to the charity. 

 

And if past experience is anything to go by, there will be some surprises in store.

 

During previous charity valuation days, Philip and his team have discovered a Faberge box, which later sold at auction for £75,000, and a rare circa 1920 Moorcroft sugar sifter, which sold for £1,500.

 

“Of course, owners are not obliged to sell their antiques,” said Philip. “Many are just interested to find out the history and value of granny's silver coffee pot, or would like a valuation for insurance purposes.

 

“We're delighted to be able to support CHYP, which has helped more than 500 vulnerable young people over the past 25 years.”

 

CHYP runs two properties – a seven-bedroom house in Querns Lane and a four-bedroom house in Ashcroft Road. There is a waiting list of homeless youngsters asking for CHYP's help. 

 

Residents, who are aged between 17 and 25, have generally been made homeless because they have left care, or their parents to not have the money or space to continue looking after them. 

 

As well as accommodation they receive a tailored training package which can include cookery, budgeting, social skills or job clubs, to prepare them for life in their own home. 

 

Tom Watmore, senior supported care officer, said: “We're very excited to be working with Moore Allen & Innocent. The money raised through the valuation day will help us continue to provide a high level of support to the young people to ensure they move on successfully into independent living.”

 

The valuation event will be held at CHYP, 20 Waterloo, Cirencester, GL7 2PY between 3pm and 7pm on Monday, July 4.

 

It is one of a number of events being held over the summer to raise funds and awareness, including a treasure trail in Malmesbury on Wednesday, July 6 and a dog show on Sunday, August 21. More information is available at the shop or from Tom on 01285 651227.

 

For more information about buying and selling antiques at auction, log on to www.mooreallen.co.uk