AN ANTIQUE writing bureau dating back to the 1700s went under the hammer in Clitheroe yesterday, fetching £15,000.

The bureau was sold on behalf on an anonymous vendor from the Ribble Valley by Silverwoods Auctioneers, at Clitheroe Auction Mart.

The piece was made in London by G Coxed and T Woster between 1720 and 1728.

Steven Parkinson, a valuer with the company, said it sold at the lower end of estimates because of some damage that it had.

A bouquet of flowers donated by the Flower Basket, King Street, Clitheroe, was auctioned for the NSPCC. It raised £35 and Silverwoods matched the price, bringing the donation to £70.