CHARITABLE art lovers in the county enjoyed all the cut-and-thrust of a Sotheby's-style auction on their own doorstep last night.

Malvern-based auctioneer and antiques expert Philip Serrell hosted the evening, at Worcester's Guildhall, in aid of St Richard's Hospice.

Artwork up for grabs included an original oil painting of the Queen Mother, by Pat Wurmli, valued at £950, and a watercolour by local wildlife artist Valerie Briggs, valued between £300 and £350.

Other items at auction included a batik lesson - an Indonesian method of designing on cloth - for two people for two hours, Royal Worcester limited edition plates and a book, by Ruth Wood, entitled Landscape Artists.

Mr Serrell has appeared on two BBC shows, Bargain Hunt and Flog It!, and has his own salesroom in the old church hall on Barnards Green Road, Malvern.

n Philip Serrell with items up for auction. Picture by Richard Eaton. 17165501