ANTIQUE expert extraordinaire David Dickinson will be filming his hit ITV show in Swindon next month and is hoping the town has some bobby dazzlers to show him.

The 74-year-old television personality, who previously presented Bargain Hunt, is bringing his camera crew and team of experts to the Steam Museum on Saturday, May 7, for the popular daytime programme Dickinson’s Real Deal. Doors open from 9am to 5pm.

More than 1,000 people are expected to queue clutching their prized family heirlooms or other vintage treasures to hopefully be told their items are not cheap as chips, but worth hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

Experts will be on hand assessing items for free, before they are looked over by one of the five independent antique dealers who may be tempted to try and buy them.

They will make an offer by placing cash on the table, but if it is below the valuers’ estimations Dickinson will step in and give some advice before revealing to the owner, the television audience and the dealer how much it is thought to be worth.

The dealer's offer may be increased and the seller will decide whether to accept or decline the offer. If the deal is rejected items go to auction.

It is not the first time people in Swindon have raided their attics for TV crews to film their antiques, as Steam has also played host to Antiques Roadshow, Cash in the Attic, and Flog It!

“As a museum we are really looking forward to hosting it, we will nearly have a full house of having antiques programmes here,” said Carolyn Lovett, events officer at Steam.

“It is the first time they have been to Steam and I think they chose to come here because it is such an interesting place full of history. Swindon in particular has a lot of historical interest.

"We are expecting up to 1,000 people to come and bring their valuables and it is exciting for anyone who wants to come along and watch or take part.

“I know the show is very popular and has got quite a following. The antiques type events and programmes that have been here before have always been really enjoyable for people and it is nice to do something different."

Carolyn also admitted staff at Steam will also probably be hunting out their own items to bring along to be valued.

She added: “When it was Antiques Roadshow people brought things along. Unfortunately I don’t think the staff had anything of value though.”

Admission to the event at the museum in Fire Fly Avenue will be free. For more information call 0117 9707618 or email dickinsonsrealdeal@rdftelevision.com

People getting their items assessed are asked to bring along photo ID and proof of address.

Steam Museum can also be contacted on 01793 466646.