A NORTH Yorkshire saleroom was packed with interested bidders for its first decorative arts sale of the year.

Pottery and Arts and Crafts furniture were all in high demand at Tennants auctioneers, in Leyburn.

Spanning the last two decades, David Burnham Smith's studio pottery attracted a lot of interest from dedicated collectors and also those who appreciate its high quality and investment potential.

Nineteen pieces of his work went under the hammer and this was the first major collection of his work ever to be sold in a UK auction house with pieces selling for up to £2,000.

The 200-piece sale of Linthorpe Art Pottery, best known for its diversity of shape and complex experimental glazes, went for more than £17,500.

Arts and Crafts furniture is now very sought after and a collection of work by Robert Thomson, who was known as The Mouseman', saw every item sell above the estimate.

Diane Sinnott, head of decorative arts at Tennants, said: "The interest in this period of furniture is growing rapidly and I believe it's because people are more aware of good design and want interesting pieces for their homes which are both good to look at, useful and also an investment in the future.

"The beautifully made and well designed Arts and Crafts period furniture fits the bill perfectly.

"Typically, the wood used is English oak which ages wonderfully to a rich patina and the scale is practical for modern interiors, being the ideal size for most homes. But most importantly it is the design which is universally pleasing to the eye."