EUROPE'S largest collection of Tiffany glass was launched nationally with a special valuation session in the style of Antiques Roadshow.

Haworth Art Gallery in Accrington has undergone a £300,000 refurbishment using lottery cash and money from an anonymous local benefactor.

It was launched locally in March but TV celebrity and Bonhams director Eric Knowles (pictured) was there for the national launch.

He and fellow expert Richard Hopkinson hosted the gallery's own roadshow for members of the public to bring along their own antiques for expert appraisal and valuation.

He later gave a lecture on The Marvellous Mr Tiffany in the gallery's music room charting the history of the collection.

Coun David Myles, cabinet member with leisure and culture portfolio, said: "The Haworth has a long history of being in the national spotlight as it has the finest collection of Tiffany Glass outside America and this event reinforced this."

There are more than 140 pieces in the Accrington collection which attracts people from around the world.

The refurbishment at the Manchester Road gallery has created four separate rooms to display the glassware at its best.