An Aladdin's cave in Usk (From Free Press Series)

An Aladdin's cave in Usk

From china to chairs, ornaments to ormolu, perfume bottles to pictures... Penny Farthing Antiques is a collectors' delight, with its eclectic mix of goods filling every available space.

There are literally tens of thousands of items to browse amongst. Prices are as diverse as the stock - anything from around 50p for an odd cup to as much as £2,000 for a long case clock.

In spite of the quantity, everything is individually labelled with the cost, a brief description of what it is and, where known, the year or period from when it originates. Some things can be as much as 300 years old, whereas others are relatively modern. Most are somewhere in between. And almost all are the genuine articles, as Penny Farthing sells very few reproduction pieces.

It's just 10 years since the shop first opened its doors in Usk's Bridge Street.

"We do try and get things that have a local interest," said Janet Cucksey, one of the four independent traders who share the premises. "For example, we've had adverts referring to the town, old photos of Usk and once we even had a local horse brass."

Janet and her colleagues source items for the shop from auctions, private sales and other antique dealers. They will also give advice and insurance valuations.

"People often ask what's a good thing to buy in terms of investment, but antiques are subject to the vagaries of fashion like anything else. I always say buy something because you like it and want to live with it, not because you think it might grow in value."