AN expert in all things Royal Worcester was on hand to cast eyes over fine china today.

Henry Sandon, antiques expert and a patron of the Museum of Royal Worcester, based in Severn Street, spent several hours at the porcelain museum identifying and valuing items brought to him by members of the public.

Amanda Savidge, museum director, said it was "fantastic" to have Mr Sandon along and to see so many people using the museum.

"We came up with the idea of having quarterly identification sessions with Henry, who can value items because he is independent of the museum in that capacity, and who was more than happy to do this.

"We get a lot of people come along to bring their porcelain and while they are here they will usually look around the museum, and that is just wonderful," she said.

"We hope it will inspire more people to come here and learn about the museum and it's history. We want to instil pride in people, as people — especially people from Worcester — should be proud of the factory, and of its workers, and of the fact that Royal Worcester is known all around the world."

Ken Russell, the museum's master gilder, and Avril Pulley, who creates cold porcelain flowers, also had stalls at the event.