A popular TV antique expert will be hosting a free community valuation day in Frome town centre next week.

Paul Martin, well known for his TV appearances on programmes such as 'Antiques Road Trip' and 'Flog It!', is offering people the chance to have their items valued on Monday, March 18 at the Cheese and Grain.

The event, running from 10am to 3pm, invites people to bring along their precious items to be examined and possibly sold.

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It will be co-hosted by world famous auctioneers Henry Aldridge & Son, where Martin heads up the valuation team.

The variety of items includes antiques, collectables, silver, gold, militaria and jewellery.

Martin said: "The day in Frome is going to be so interesting.

“With its historical importance to the wool industry and then its later involvement in printing, there’s a really rich history there.

"Put this together with its unusual church history, the Roman connection and its proximity to the Longleat Estate and I’m certain it will make for a very interesting day."

Best known for his TV appearances and his new show, 'Paul Martin’s Auction Showdown', Martin started his career as an antique expert, and relishes the chance to get back to his roots.

He said: "Even though I am a TV presenter and still enjoy my broadcast career, I’m an antiques man at heart and these events allow me to get back to what drives me — the people, their objects and the stories they tell."

After the event in Frome, Martin will be hosting further valuation days across Somerset and Wiltshire.

As part of his role at Henry Aldridge & Son, many more artifacts will be discovered.

Mr Martin said: "Somerset is such a great part of the country to host these kinds of days.

"There is so much history here and the people are really generous with their time and curiosity.

"Some local families go back generations so I’m sure we’ll see fascinating items and learn lots from the stories attached to them."

More valuation days will follow in other nearby places, including Wells on Wednesday, March 27, Radstock on Wednesday, April 17 and Chippenham on Thursday, April 25.

For more information about the upcoming events, visit: https://www.henryaldridge.com/valuations/valuation-days/south-west/.