Whoever donated it is either very generous or about to kick themselves.

This antique Troika Vase went on to fetch more than £800 after it was found in a collection of bric-a-brac given to the Heart of Kent Hospice shop in Borough Green High Street.

The rare find was spotted by an eagle-eyed volunteer and went on to raise £865 when it was put up for sale on the internet auction site, eBay.

Retail business development manager, Sheila Burton, suspected the vase was valuable but hadn’t anticipated the final price offered by a bidder in North London.

She said: “Over the years I have seen much smaller pieces and they have always sold, so when the vase came into the warehouse I realised by its size alone that it must be worth a try.”

With the sale of the vase the Hospice has managed to raise more than £1,000 on eBay alone this week.

The Aylesford-based hospice - whoserunning costs are £8,200 per day and £3 million a year - is now calling on home-owners to clear out garages and lofts and donate any unwanted items.

Items can be donated at shops in Borough Green High Street; Hamilton Road, Coxheath; The Foreman’s centre in Headcorn; Martin Square, Larkfield; Lenham Square; Senacre Square; Malling Road, Snodland; Staplehurst High Street; Starnes Court, Maidstone; and West Malling High Street.

• Do you know who donated the vase? Ring our newsdesk on 01622 695666 or email us at messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk