IF clearing out the loft is among your New Year resolutions, make sure you’re on the lookout for hidden gems that could make you some extra cash.

As reported recently, a book found in a summerhouse among a bunch of mouldy children’s annuals made £31,500 at auction at the Octagon Salerooms in Taunton, run by Greenslade Taylor Hunt.

The copy of Thomas Malthus’ Essay on The Principle of Population, written in 1798, was not a looker, but its rarity proved valuable to the lucky owner.

The salerooms hold monthly antiques sales as well as collectors and sporting sales throughout the year.

The first sale of 2015 will take place on Thursday, January 8, and will feature furniture, ceramics and glassware, silver and jewellery, paintings, prints and collectables.

Every quarter a dedicated sale devoted to all things collectable also takes place, with the first in 2015 taking place on Friday, March 6.

The renowned Spring West Country Sporting Sale will take place on Friday, April 10.

A detailed calendar of sales for 2015 is available from the saleroom in East Reach.

Meanwhile, we asked GTH auctioneer Stuart Triggol to pick his top 10 lots of 2014.