Duke launches show in county
Hundreds of people were hoping it would be their lucky day at a Shropshire school when they turned up to get a helping hand from celebrity antiques expert David "The Duke" Dickinson. The antiques guru launched his new television programme - Dickinson's Real Deal - at Adams' Grammar School in Newport in front of a host of his fans on Saturday.
Dickinson, who used to go to auction sales in Ludlow and knows people in Much Wenlock, said: "It is a new concept for ITV. I think it's quite exciting. There will be 40 shows and it goes out from the end of the year, we believe. It's a daytime programme.
"The exciting thing about this show is people are bringing along their antiques and dealers are valuing them and offering to buy them.
"You are seeing the dealers in their own working mode. If someone doesn't want to sell something the alternative is an auction."
Teacher Viv Ewart, of Ploughman's Croft, Newport, who was accompanied by friend Sue Harris, had brought along a 1930s canteen of silver plated cutlery she had inherited from her aunt Dora.
She was offered £70 by dealer Martin Kelly but turned that down to take her chances at an auction at Brettells Auctioneers & Valuers on October 3.
The mother-of-two, who works at Admaston Tuition Centre, said: "I was offered £70 but I just don't think it's enough for that item.
"I just thought I would go through the auction. Perhaps two people might fight over it."
Ann-Marie Jones and mother Janet of Larchwood, Randlay, had brought along a number of items including a tea set and Royal Doulton ceramics that they were hoping would be selected to be filmed.
Among the items sold to the dealers on Saturday was a rosewood library table for £650 and a Minton vase for £250.
Auctioneer David Brettell said the day went well and there had been some interesting items brought along.
By Lisa Rowley
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