CHORLEY'S new auction centre really is an admiral place to visit. For one special item that's set to go under the hammer soon is an admiral's hat dating back to around 1790/1800.

Sue Alty, 48, who runs the Friday Street ASAP Auction Centre with her co-partners, son Ben, 19, and Richard Dyer, has carried out research to try and find out more about the interesting item which belonged to Admiral Rea, who came from Anglesey originally and was a former ambassador in Moscow. The hat comes complete with its own metal box.

She said: "We got hold of the hat through one of our contacts in Anglesey. It's so rare that we don't know what the value is -- it could be several hundred pounds or it could be £90. It depends if people are collectors of the item." Sue, who lives with her husband, John, 51, on Burgh Lane, Chorley, added: "We are trying to do some further research into Admiral Rea."

Meanwhile, Sue says she is pleased with the way the centre has taken off.

"We do household collections and are looking to speak to local traders to do specific sales for them. And we are looking to link up with solicitors for bereavement sales.

"Sales take place at 3.30pm every Thursday."

Sue is the auctioneer herself. "I picked it up as I went along," she confessed. "We tend to make it entertaining as well so it becomes a nice evening out. We make it fun.

"I got into this because my husband collects everything!"