By EWAN QUAYLE

ORGANISERS are buzzing with excitement for the antiques fair at Stonyhurst College.

A range of items, from 17th century bronze sculptures to oriental rugs and antiquarian maps, are being put up for sale.

The fair in being held from February 21 to 23 and promises items that “suit every taste and pocket”, ranging from £25 to £30,000, including a Tiffany watch being sold with its original box.

The 14-carat gold wristwatch is described as “very elegant” by the dealers, who will join dozens of others looking to sell their collections.

It is the 25th year that the college – an Elizabethan manor house turned prestigious boarding school – will host the event organised by Galloway Antiques Fairs.

Susan Galloway, owner of Galloway Antiques Fairs, said: “This is one of the friendliest fairs we do, helped in part by the great catering offered in The Refectory, meat and potato pie their speciality.

“We always look forward to returning to Stonyhurst, the drive down to the college with the lakes either side never fails to impress, not to mention the scenery that comes with the Ribble Valley.

“Many of the visitors to the fair are regulars who started coming years ago, perhaps just to browse initially, but then got caught up in the 'bug' that comes with collecting antiques.”

Also up for grabs is a peridot and diamond ring, as well as a gilded bronze study of an Egyptian dancer, thought to be made in France in the 1920s.

Visitors pay £5 for access to the fair and the college’s grounds from 10.30am to 5pm daily.