A BUSINESSMAN is helping people turn unwanted items into cash - thanks to his auctioneering expertise.

'Want2AuctionIt.co.uk' managing director Steven Parkinson uses his knowledge, contacts and reference materials to determine whether to sell an item on auction website eBay, in his shop or at auction.

The 33-year-old ex-mechanical engineer charges sellers a 20 per cent commission for items sold on eBay with varying amounts on items sent to auction.

The former Habergham-High School pupil said the company, which he set up in July last year, was already making a profit.

He said: "I set up the business after a friend of mine challenged me to buy some items to sell them on eBay for a profit and buy them on ebay to sell them at auction.

"I wanted to offer the whole package. There are eBay shops out there and people can take their items there but my business brings in someone who has experience of auctioning and eBay.

"I use a mixture of research, experience and good luck - something you can't get on eBay.

"And because we are commission lead, the more the customer gets, the more we get. It's a win win situation."

"I use my knowledge and online databases, which give me a good idea of what things are selling for but it is never cut and dry."

Mr Parkinson, who runs the business in Standish Street, Burnley, on his own, recently sold a 1960s Joan de Bethel papier-mache cat for £870 which he bought for a couple of hundred pounds.

The father of two, who got interested in antiques when he was made redundant aged 20, spent his formative years going to auction houses with his parents.

He said: "It was a hobby which turned into a love. There is nothing better than buying something, researching it and then selling it for a profit.

"Taking something that ordinary people think is worthless and selling it for hundreds of pounds, that is the biggest reward.

"We do not just want collectables."

People can bring their unwanted items to the open weekend on Saturday and Sunday (February 2 and 3) and all money raised from donations will be given to Pendleside Hospice.

More information can be obtained from www.want2auctionit.co.uk.