An antiques dealer who stumbled across a valuable piece of artwork at a clearance stall in Maidstone Market says he will give it away in a raffle.

Jason Benson has spent six years working alongside his sister, Tracey Alexander, selling prints from a stall in the Royal Star Arcade in Maidstone.

The self-confessed antiques lover was walking around Maidstone Market in Lockmeadow, when he spotted an unusual piece of artwork being sold for a very reasonable price.

The fine quality wood block print by Japanese artist Ohara Koson dates back to the 1920s.

Titled Eagle With Outspread Wings, the shop owner picked it up for just £5, but after looking at similar pieces online, discovered the print was actually worth closer to £1,300.

Mr Benson, of Halfpenny Close in Barming, said his passion for antiques was sparked during his childhood.

He grew up in the village of Hastenbeck, Germany, where his father was stationed with the Royal Engineers.

He would spend hours searching through the hills, once occupied by German soldiers during the Battle of Hastenbeck in 1757.

He said: “We used mine detecting equipment to locate hundreds of items including musket and cannon balls.

"Since then my interest has been encouraged by my mother who has been collecting antiques for 50 years.”

Wanting to turn his passion into a career, he opened a store above the Judd’s Kitchen and Tea Rooms in the Royal Star Arcade, High Street, in September.

He now offers a range of jewellery, Chinese and Japanese art work, pottery, toys, games and prints.

To drum up interest, Mr Benson is raffling off the Japanese print, and any customer who spends over £25 could be in with the chance of winning it.

Jayman Antiques is open Tuesday to Saturday, between 9.30am and 3.30pm, and the draw closes on Wednesday, December 16.