The king of collectables was filming ITV1 show Dickinson's Real Deal, in Todmorden Town Hall and people flocked from across the north to show off their best "bobby dazzlers".

Antiques of all shapes and sizes were being peddled on the day with Dickinson on hand to advise people whether to accept cash offers or gamble their goods at an auction.

"I've never been to Todmorden before", he said, "but we've had all manner of things turn up already – lovely old art deco mirrors and even some Russian porcelain.

"I'm really happy at the turn out and will be sending my wife down to Todmorden market to buy some fresh chickens."

Hundreds of bargain hunters turned up on the day with some, such as 39-year-old Nadia Elwageh, of Todmorden, queuing from first thing in the morning.

"I've bought along an old ceramic picture of mine," she said. "I just want to see if it is worth anything but I'm not sure I would sell it. It is of some sentimental value to me."