Antiques expert on hunt for deal

Fans of TV antiques expert David Dickinson were out looking for a bargain as he filmed his latest show in Shropshire.

Mr Dickinson, nicknamed "The Duke", was at the Nock Deighton salerooms in Bridgnorth to oversee an auction for his ITV series Dickinson's Real Deal yesterday. In the show, people take antiques to a panel of experts who offer them a price or the option of selling them at auction.

The items on sale yesterday were from people who had chosen to take a chance in the hope of making more money.

Mr Dickinson spent the day at the salerooms filming an episode for his latest series as well as offering advice to antique hunters.

He said every auction was different and it was down to the bargain hunters as to how successful the event would be.

"It is all very interesting," he said. "I have been in many salerooms and you never know what is going to make money.

"We expect a few pieces will do well. Auctions are a bit of a gamble, you can't tell what's going to happen as it is people competing against each other."

He added: "Our resear- chers have chosen here to film and it is a very good choice."

From the 630 lots put up for auction, Mr Dickinson identified a Woolwork needle work piece as a personal favourite.

Hopeful Richard Sartin, of Wolverhampton, was left disappointed after his naval sword failed to make its reserve price of £240, after bidding stopped at £200.

Nock Deighton auctioneer Mark Stafford-Lovatt said he had enjoyed having the film crews in.

"It has been fun," he said. "Obviously I am doing auctions all the time but it is nice for this auction room to be highlighted. There is nothing that stands out here but you just never know."

He added: "There are a few more people than usual because of Mr Dickinson filming here, as you would expect."

The new series will be broadcast on ITV from May.

By Dani Webb