Antiques Roadshow's Bunny Campione has auctioned off her own personal collection of rabbits amassed over 78 years for a whopping £26,000. The collection, inspired by her name, featured 50 separate rabbits dating from the late 19th century to the 1950s, with the collection including soft toys and porcelain figures.

The BBC antiques expert, who has been on the show since 1986, revealed how she started parting with her own collectibles as she wanted to downsize following the loss of her husband Major Iain Grahame 18 months ago.

The lots included a rare 1906 Steiff wool plush Peter Rabbit, found in a bin in Athens, Greece, and gifted to Campione, which sold for £7,440 to a private collector. Bunny herself was invited onto the rostrum to be the auctioneer, something she has not done since her Sotheby's days almost 30 years ago.

She said: "I was absolutely delighted to have started the auction off - and although things have changed rather a lot since I was last on the rostrum, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was thrilled with all the results particularly my favourite Peter Rabbit and amazed that the bids were from as far away as Singapore and the United States.

"I also had the chance to meet the buyers in the room which helped to make the day truly special."

Other highlights included Oswald the Lucky Rabbit by Dean's Rag Book Co. whicg was sold for £3,224 despite being bitten by Campione's own pet bunny rabbit. A 1908 Peter Rabbit went for £2,728 while a tiny Steiff velvet rabbit sold for £1,240.

A Roullet & Decamps clockwork knitting rabbit fetched £1,054 while a Gerd Dreher carved rose quartz rabbit kitten sold for £744.

Daniel Agnew, toy, doll and teddy bear expert at Special Auction Services added: "It was the most fun I have had in an auction for years.

"Bunny taking the first part of her lots was highly entertaining.

"We achieved some amazing prices. I have always known her charming bunny collection and feel so honoured to find this group of characters homes. What fun to own one of Bunny's bunnies!"