But the economic wobble that is rippling through the country is not necessarily all bad.

People are becoming greener and not just because they are growing their own veg or driving cars that are friendlier to the environment.

The credit crunch, according to a Calderdale auctioneer is bringing more and more customers to auction houses to buy second-hand furniture.

During the Second World War a whole campaign was launched called "make do and mend." It covered everything from clothes to furniture to produce.

What we are experiencing is, of course, in no way representitive of what our parents and grandparents went through.

But the philosophy is the same.

"We saw all of this in the 1970s when the recession hit then and people had to tighten their belts. Well it's come round again," says Mr Peace.

He points out how you can find real quality pieces at auction and for a reasonable price.

Which may well appeal to the thrifty nature of Yorkshiremen.