Dereham's popular auctions are back!

A popular monthly auction which became an institution in Dereham is set to make a welcome return.

Selling everything from a stuffed animals to furniture and boxes of bric-a-brac, auctions at Dereham's Memorial Hall became a regular social occasion with hundreds flocking through the doors.

Sadly the auctions ended when auctioneer and Dereham stalwart John Dewing died in April last year.

But now a couple from Necton are set to pick up the gavel where Mr Dewing left off and revive the monthly sale.

Stephen Long and his wife Janice will welcome sellers though the door again on Monday before the bidders pile in for their first auction the next day.

Mr Long, who runs Norfolk House Clearance Company, said: 'John was a good bloke and his did a very good job of the auctions.

'Without him the auction would not have been a reality and such a success in the first place.

'We now hope to carry on what John started.'

Mr Long said that, just as when Mr Dewing was in charge of the gavel, the auction would be a complete mixture of antiques and furniture, boxes to explore and the odd surprise.

'I'm working on the principle that if it wasn't broken then there is no need to fix it,' he continued.

'It was a meeting place as well as a monthly sale for a lot of people for a long, long time and many people miss it.'

Although he has been in the house clearance and auction business for more than 20 years, Tuesday's auction will be the first time Mr Long has ever tried his hand at being an auctioneer but he is confident he can rise to the task.

'I will be leading from the front,' he said, 'and we shall see how it goes.'

The first auction takes place on Tuesday, January 20, with lots being booked in the day before. For more information go to www.norfolkhcc.co.uk.