FANS of TV favourites Bargain Hunt and Antiques Roadshow can sample the experience of an auction on their doorstep when a new company brings one to a borough venue this weekend.

Tomorrow (Sunday, 4 May) South Essex auctions will be opening up the doors Allott Hall on London Road in Stanford-le-Hope for an auction of a wide variety of items from 10.30am.

And if you want to take a look in advance of the auction, doors at the hall will be open between 5 and 7pm this evening.

South Essex Auctions is a new company formed by a close-knit team of family and friends from the Stanford-le-Hope area

The company's Sam Olney explained: "After spending the last few years learning the ropes, attending auctions, and studying the trade, this dedicated group has transformed their shared passion into a thriving local enterprise.

"From identifying unique pieces to understanding their value and provenance, we've built our knowledge from the ground up. Our journey has been shaped by curiosity, dedication, and a deep respect for the items we handle and the people who treasure them.

"Whether you're a collector, seller, or simply curious, we invite you to be part of this next chapter with us."

Sam and colleague Shaun are the auctioneers, Roxanne is admin and cashiers, Roger and Allan are the tech team behind it all along with Katie who will look after refreshments. Then are various children have helping roles doing various jobs.

Sam continued: "What started as a small side venture has steadily grown, and launching this business is the natural next step in our journey.

"At South Essex Auctions, we believe every item has a story – whether it's a piece of vintage furniture, a quirky collectable, or everyday household goods. Our goal is to provide a new lease of life for these treasures, connecting them with new owners who will appreciate their value.

"Our regular auctions offer a friendly, local platform where people can buy, sell, and discover unique finds.

"We also offer reliable, respectful house clearance services tailored to your needs, handling everything from full property clear-outs to smaller jobs. Whether you're downsizing, dealing with a loved one's estate, or just having a clear-out, we're here to help make the process smooth and stress-free.

"We aim to prevent valuable items from entering landfills and reduce environmental impact by giving surplus or unwanted items a renewed purpose.

"So if there are items you no longer need, let us help you create space and make some extra money in the process. We hope to keep the past alive while building something new together."

Check out the catalogue for tomorrow's auction via this link.