Paul Martin from BBC Flog It! due to visit our area next week

Well-known antiques expert Paul Martin, and presenter on BBC One's Flog It!, will be hosting a free community valuation day at Marsh Farm Hotel in Royal Wootton Bassett on Monday, January 29. 

Mr Martin has been a presenter on a number of popular TV shows over the last two decades including Antiques Road Trip and Countryfile.

His brand-new series Paul Martin’s Auction Showdown is due to be broadcast on Channel 5 later this year.

Paul Martin (Image: Barbara Leatham)
Members of the public have been encouraged to dust off any unique old items and bring them along to be discussed, valued and perhaps sold.

The valuation day, which is being run in partnership with world-renowned Devizes auctioneers Henry Aldridge & Son, will take place at the Wiltshire-based hotel between 10am to 3pm.

Mr Martin is head of valuations at Henry Aldridge & Son and is excited to see all the fascinating antiques, collectables, silver, gold, militaria and jewellery that residents bring in. 

Paul Martin (Image: Barbara Leatham)

He said: “I’ve got a real soft spot for Royal Wootton Bassett.

"It’s a lovely town and has such a strong sense of community, it always feels like a really welcoming place.

"It’s been the setting for Antiques Road Trip a few times and I’m looking forward to being back in the town.

“Even though I am a TV presenter and still enjoy my broadcast career, I’m an antiques man at heart and these events allow me to get back to what drives me — the people, their objects and the stories they tell.

“Wiltshire is such a great part of the country to host these kinds of days.

“There is so much history here and the people are really generous with their time and curiosity, so I’m sure we’ll see some fascinating items and learn lots from the stories attached to them.

“What’s exciting about community valuation days is you never quite know what will turn up, it will be full of surprises!”