One of south Essex's oldest farms is auctioning off some of its finest antiques this week and the event is already attracting international interest.

Whitehouse Farm in Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, is listed in the Domesday Book.

Star attraction - Mark Stacey with a Clarice Cliff figurine Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

The owners of the large farm estate, which still has its own bakehouse and was the original dairy farm in South Essex, are auctioning the entire contents of the farm, as they want to modernise the interior.

Their decision has sparked international interest as items include the much sought-after Clarice Cliff pottery.

The antiques, which also include a stuffed pike caught in the Rayleigh Weir many years ago, are being held by John Stacey and Sons, at their auction house in Pall Mall, Leigh.

The auction will take place from 10.30am on Tuesday, January 31.

For more information, contact Mark Stacey on 01702 477 051.

Published Monday, January 20, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo