Antiques Roadshow host Fiona Bruce with Elaine Jones, from St Georges, left and Christie Dale from Highley.

Hundreds of people were today descending on Blists Hill Victorian Town in the Ironbridge Gorge for the filming of  BBC1′s Antiques Roadshow.

BBC staff have been at the tourist attraction for most of the week to set up cameras and equipment ahead of today’s filming.

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Hundreds of people arrived as early as 7.30am today clutching boxes and bags crammed full of treasures to be valued by the show’s experts.

Bosses at the tourist attraction expect about 2,000 to come through the gates during the day.

Yesterday rehearsals were held as final preparations were made for filming.

Olwen Gillespie, show press officer, said: “We are delighted that our last outdoor show of the year looks set to be sunny and dry.

“This is one of the latest we have had so we are chancing it a bit. We are very much hoping it will stay dry.”

Larger items to be filmed were brought along earlier in the week and tables have been set up in the new Canal Street area, which was opened at Blists Hill at Easter. Some of Britain’s leading antiques and fine arts specialists are on hand today offering free advice and valuations on items.

Show presenter Fiona Bruce said the location and how accessible it was was key to the success of the show.

She said: “For me, the setting does make it. It’s a chance for me to travel around the country and see beautiful places and this is certainly one of them.”

By Lisa Rowley