Mike Grant, marketing manager for Tomlinsons Fine Antiques, Tockwith, turns forward the hands of time for the Internet.

A mould-breaking venture selling antiques over the internet has exceeded all expectations by attracting a staggering 40,000 visitors in three months of online trading. Tomlinsons, which two years ago was the Evening Press Exporter of the Year, has seen a big increase in orders and inquiries since launching www.antique-furniture.co.uk. The number of visitors is equivalent to 500 shoppers a day visiting its Tockwith showrooms, which contain more than 5,000 items of furniture at any one time.

Updated: 10:23 Tuesday, May 27, 2003