A HEART charity is inviting people to pit their knowledge of antiques against that of an expert.

The Durham branch of the British Heart Foundation is holding an antiques valuation quiz evening in Durham Town Hall on Wednesday, May 16.

Sotheby's expert Matthew Festing, from Stocksfield, Northumberland, will be asking people to assess the worth of items that he will bring to the event. The branch hopes that the evening, which also includes a buffet supper, will prove to be a major fundraiser for it.

Branch secretary Peter Arthur said: "An expert from Sotheby's will bring along 15 items, some of which are valuable, some of which aren't.

"Guests will be given an entry sheet and will have to guess what an item is and what it is worth.

"The expert will give his valuations and the winner of the competition will get a small prize."

The event is being held to mark the 40th anniversary of the British Heart Foundation.

The Durham branch, which has about 12 members, was formed in 1986 and has raised about £225,000, much of it going to the city's former Dryburn Hospital.

One of its greatest achievements was raising £96,000 for an ultra-sound scanner for the hospital.

Doors open at 7pm and guests will be given a complimentary glass of wine or soft drink.

Tickets cost £10 for people wanting a buffet supper, and £5 for people just wanting to attend the valuation quiz.

Guests wanting a meal must buy their tickets in advance. They can be obtained from Mr Arthur on 0191-416 7639.