A FORMER Ellesmere College student recently made the finals of a prestigious auctioneering competition.

Jack Austerberry, 19 – who is the youngest specialist at Hall’s Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers in Shrewsbury – was one of nine finalists in this year’s NAVA Propertymark Novice Auctioneer of the Year.

The competition was open to auctioneers who must have taken their first auction after September 31 last year or been on the rostrum for four auctions or less.

Although Jack did not win, he was still delighted to have made it into the finals.

“I was delighted to make it through to the final stages of the competition, it was a great experience,” he said.

“I have learnt so much since joining Halls and look forward to making further appearances on the rostrum – it’s an amazing feeling.”

Jack found his passion for horology while completing his A-levels at Ellesmere College. He built and sold antique watches while studying and decided to focus on a career specialising in timepieces with Halls when he turned 18, making him one of the youngest specialists in the industry.

Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley of Halls is impressed with Jack’s performance since joining the company.

“Jack’s been showing great promise since joining us straight after school as a junior watch specialist,” she said.