ANTIQUES enthusiasts flocked to Longleat House and Gardens yesterday, along with their treasures, to take part in a valuation day for Flog It! – BBC One’s popular daytime show.

The show, hosted by Seend-based Paul Martin, gives people the chance to bring their antiques and treasures along to get them valued by a team of experts, before a selection are picked for auction.

Scores of people queued up outside the historic house from as early as 7am to get their antiques and collectables, everything from First World War memorabilia to French dolls, valued for free.

Linda and George Edwards, from Trowbridge, were queuing up to find out how much a painting from 1891, which had been passed down through the family, and a Victorian watch would fetch.

“The Victorian watch was given to me by a 100-year-old widow 15 years ago and I really wanted to find out more about the history of the watch and where it came from,” said Mrs Edwards.

Ted Hillier, from Westbury, brought along an oil painting and a set of two ceramic wall plaques, which he had previously been offered £100 for.

Mr Hillier said: “I have had the oil painting for over 40 years after it was given to me by a friend, so I really wanted to find out more about them.”

Other interesting items included a doll belonging to Bratton woman Ann Monica, which was made by famous French company Limoges, something she purchased at a market in Frome for only £3.

The BBC antiques show is now on its 12th series, regularly achieving an audience of over two million viewers, and next year it will air its 1,000th show.

Mr Martin said: “We have had a great turnout and we have seen some interesting items brought along. The people of Wiltshire have done us proud.”

Items selected will go under the hammer at Henry Aldridge & Son Auctioneers in Devizes on August 10.