ANTIQUES expert Henry Sandon made a couple of surprise finds at an identification day in the city's porcelain museum.

The Antiques Roadshow star said he was 'thrilled' to encounter two Royal Worcester Porcelain Watteau figures with a potential value of £1,000.

He said one lady started shaking after he told her that two of her 18th century dishes were worth around £2,000 each.

A gilder and a painter also showed off their talents during the evaluation day at the Museum of Royal Worcester in Severn Street, Worcester, on Saturday.

Mr Sandon, aged 89, said: "I have seen some extraordinary things today.

"I've seen a pair of Worcester figures I've never seen before. Only two pairs were made.

"There were four altogether. Two were in America and two were here in front of me.

"It's a great thrill. They were in my hands. The figures are extremely rare. They could be worth £1,000."

He added that the highest value items of the day belonged to a woman who was unaware of their worth.

Mr Sandon said: "Rather ashamed she brought out two dishes. 18th century Worcester, very rare types.

"She had no idea what they were. They were worth £2,000 each. She went away shaking.

"They don't know what they are worth and I identify them for them. Who made it and when. It's nice letting people know."

Mr Sandon has starred in the BBC's Antiques Roadshow for almost 40 years and said he has no intention of stepping down any time soon.

He added that the work is good for him as it keeps his brain active.

The museum patron said dozens of visitors poured in through the doors for the identification day.

Mr Sandon first became involved with Royal Worcester Porcelain after he started finding Roman pots in his garden.

He eventually became curator at what is now known as the Museum of Royal Worcester.

Gilder Ken Russell was also at the evaluation day, demonstrating his craft.

He said claimed that the key to his job was a steady hand and good eyes.

Painter Francis Clark also showed how he paints, fires and then repaints the porcelain to ensure the colours sink in.