A POPULAR TV presenter is 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 the Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury on Monday, April 22. 

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.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Paul MartinPaul 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. 

The antiques dealer said: “The valuation day in Malmesbury is going to be so interesting.

“It has such a varied and interesting history, much of which you can still see the evidence of in the town and its surroundings, because so much of its history is connected to its geographical location. 

"I’m certain it will make for a very interesting day!

"We could end up being presented with some fascinating items that reveal brilliant snippets about the history of the area and the people who have helped make it what it is today. 

"What’s exciting about community valuation days is you never quite know what will turn up.

"It’s full of surprises!”