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VIDEO and PICTURES: Wolves fans gets their prized club memorabilia valued

[gallery] Wolves fans were united at a special event to value their prized club memorabilia.

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A valuation day took place at Molineux on Friday – and dozens of fans flocked to the stadium to get their items looked over by BBC's David Harper, who regularly appears on Bargain Hunt.

The TV star said: "I suppose I'm better known for evaluating general antiques, but I'm in Wolverhampton to talk about football and I've met the the most passionate people here who really love Wolves – I just couldn't believe it.

"We've had a room full of experts and they don't even realise how expert they actually are.

"My job is to give the stories, explain where these objects are from and put the valuation on them – and that's been dead easy here because they've been teaching me all the history and all the tales. We've found some cracking objects."

Kevin Poole, aged 49, from Upper Gornal, took along his collection of programmes dating back to the 1940s.

He said: "I was left these by my uncle who I think must have attended all of these games.

"It's such a shame to leave them in the attic when they mean so much to the fans and the club.

"That's why I've brought them down. Altogether, the professional valuator said they could fetch up to £600.

"I even have one of the programmes dating from shortly after the end of the First World War. That's probably my most prized piece in the collection."

The event was also attended by some famous faces, including former Wolves footballer and long-term supporter of the club, Steve Bull.

He said: "I think it's important for children, fans and people of Wolverhampton to find out more about how the club started.

"I'm still learning and I'm in my 50s. There's some great photos, black and white and colour pieces for people of this generation to look at and I think events such as this are absolutely brilliant for the club."

John Brewer, 65, from Pendeford, had his scrapbook, full of signed photos of the players from 1949, and series of collectible programmes valued.

He said: "It doesn't really matter how much they're worth, I'd never sell them – they're too special to me. I'll keep collecting for as long as I can.

"I was sent one of the programmes by my aunt who lived in Canada, the scrapbook originates in Newcastle and one of the pieces date back as far as 1908.

"That just shows how important the team is and continues to be." The event, also attended by National Football Collection consultant William Andrews, formed part of the city's Enjoy Wolverhampton 10-day programme of events and activities aimed at encouraging people to come out and get involved in all the city has to offer.

Heather Ernstons, partnership manager for Wolverhampton council, said: "What we really wanted to do in this series of events is showcase everything that Wolverhampton has to offer.

"Wolverhampton Wanderers are a hugely significant part of this city, and hugely significant to the people who live here in Wolverhampton and indeed the West Midlands area.

"We have been interviewing people about Wolves and its amazing to hear how special the team are to them and how they hold a special place in their hearts. Our aim was to reveal the hidden gems of the city and give people an idea of our significant history and heritage.

"Whatever your age, whatever your interests, we wanted to show that Wolverhampton has something on off for you."

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