A PIECE of bric-a-brac at a jumble sale turned out to be a rare find.

The bowl was among items handed in to raise money for St Peter's Church in Dorchester and was put on sale for just £2.

But after seeking a second opinion, they were amazed to discover the eight-inch bowl was a rare piece of Poole Pottery.

It was thanks to church warden Lillian Wood, who spotted the Poole Pottery markings and decided to get it valued by Dorchester auctioneers Hy Duke and Son.

Mrs Wood, 67, who is also a collector of Poole Pottery ceramics, said: "It just came in with all the other bric-a-brac and it looked quite old, but when I saw it was from Poole Pottery I thought it might be worth something.

"It was really good news to find out it was a rare piece and worth something.

"We will use the funds to put back into the church."

Hy Duke and Son dated the bowl to 1910-1920 and said the simple geometric nature of the decoration reflected the avant-garde style popular at that period.

The auctioneers said they expect a lot of local interest in the piece which dates back to Poole Pottery's early years when the factory, which used to be known as Carter and Co, produced only a limited stock.

Duke's senior valuer Dr Matthew Denney said: "It's in very good condition. It's an unusual item to turn up out of a box of ceramics and I would expect it to sale for a three-figure sum.

"It is not only interesting being a prominent local manufacturer, but is generally considered by collectors and historians to be one of the 20th century's most interesting pottery makers."

The bowl is set to go under the hammer at Duke's forthcoming sale with other ceramics and glass furniture on May 23.