Flog It! experts bid to uncover gems

Crowds of eager antique owners headed for Dudley Concert Hall today as popular TV show Flog It! arrived in town.

Black Country residents trawled through their treasures to dig out the weird and the wonderful to be valued for the daytime BBC show.

Everyone attending was having their possessions valued by experts and some items were being selected for auction. Provided the owner agrees the chosen pieces will be auctioned off in Stourbridge next month.

Items not selected to be sold were valued by presenter and antique dealer Paul Martin and experts Adam Partridge and Thomas Plant.

Among those attending the event was 78-year-old Cliff Garner, of Regent Street, Woodsetton.

The former Holden's brewer brought a sword made from the nose of the swordfish. "A friend of mine got this for me 25 years ago. I have seen people talking about them on the Antiques Roadshow." he said.

Mr Garner said he had not yet decided whether he would sell the item but if he did the money would be spent on his grandchildren.

Dennis Williams, aged 80, of Hill Top, Wollaston, Stourbridge brought a porcelain dog with him. He said. "This is the first time I have been to Dudley town centre in 37 years. I am a big fan of Flog It! and it has made my year to meet Paul Martin."

Paul Martin, who has presented the show for seven years, said: "We travel all over the country but it is always exciting to be in the Black Country."