Enjoy it on video: Harrogate Antiques Fair

Billed as the local fair for international people, this year's fair will again embrace a huge variety of periods, trends and styles. Quality is said to be the cornerstone of sales at the Harrogate International Centre from today to May 3, with a huge diversity of antiques and fine art reflecting centuries of taste and style.

The spring event, which usually attracts 10,000 visitors from all over the world, is run by the same company, events organiser Louise Walker, which stages the Harrogate Antique Fair later in the year with the British Antique Dealers' Association.

The spring fair, which has been a flagship show for three decades, this year features new exhibitors and for the first time an art deco stand.

A spokesman said: "Those who deal in objects from the past are a privileged few.

"We are honoured to have so many of them showing at this annual event, surrounded by the objects they love, with infectious passion they are only too pleased to discuss investment, ownership and use of the beautiful pieces that will be on show. The North is renowned for its knowledgeable collectors and for people who value the history and quality of the items on offer."

Showing fine art will be Walker Galleries of Harrogate, Haynes Fine Art of Broadway, Willow Gallery, Rowles Fine Art and specialist company Books Illustrated. Fine jewellery will be represented by Howards of Stratford, St James of Manchester, Sheldon Shapiro and Licht & Morrison of Mayfair.

Silver will be shown by Jack Shaw & Co from Ilkley, Brayhawks from Kent, S & A Thompson. Pottery and porcelain are from Roger de Ville, Valerie Main, John Newton and Philip Carrol.

Furniture will be from Millington Adams, Anthemion, Corfield Potashnick, S&S Timms, Church Street Antiques.

A gala reception tomorrow will raise money for the Police Treatment Centres in Harrogate, a charity chosen by fair patron Baroness Masham of Ilton.