Richard Winterton thanked the family firm’s ‘dedicated’ staff for their work throughout the year, which ends with news of both a record November and a record final quarter breaking £1,000,000 in sales.

"All this doesn't happen by magic," the auctioneer said.

"A remarkable amount of work goes into everything we do and the level of care and attention shown by everyone in the business never ceases to impress me.

"Thank you to our fantastic staff for all their hard work and wonderful dedication."

The Winterton family has been auctioneering in Staffordshire for seven generations across since 1864 and 2022 has seen more milestones achieved.

In April, the company marked a quarter of a century since Richard Winterton and his wife Janet took over the family business in their own right, throwing a huge 25^th anniversary celebration ball for all staff and their partners.

October saw the company add to its existing premises at Lichfield and Tamworth and open a new unit in Burton Market Hall offering free weekly valuations of jewellery and watches.

As well as auctioneering, Richard has notched up a remarkable 766 visits across the country throughout 2022 for all types of clearance valuations.

The firm also continued as headline sponsor for both Staffordshire’s Best Kept Village Community Competition and Lichfield Cathedral’s Christmas illuminations.

Richard Winterton Auctioneers closes for Christmas at 5pm on Wednesday, December 21, reopening at 9am on Tuesday, January 3.

The following day, Wednesday, January 4, is the firm's first auction of 2023 – the Collectors Sale at The Tamworth Auction Rooms, Church Street, featuring medals, militaria, stamps and toys.

The first Antiques & Home Sale at The Lichfield Auction Rooms, Fradley Park, takes place on Monday and Tuesday, January 9-10.

All sales start at 9.30am and catalogues can be viewed online via https://www.richardwinterton.co.uk/auction-dates.

For Lichfield valuation enquiries, email office@richardwinterton.co.uk or call 01543 406124. For Tamworth, telephone 01827 217746 or email tamworth@richardwinterton.co.uk.

In April, the company marked a quarter of a century since Richard Winterton and his wife Janet took over the family business in their own right. The couple are pictured with sons Ben, James, Tom and Harry at the celebration ball arranged for staff. Photo: Fraser Hinch Video