Last updated at 16:49, Tuesday, 06 November 2012

FLAMBOYANT TV favourite David Dickinson found some “real bobby dazzlers” when his popular antiques show came to Barrow for the first time on Saturday.

“The Duke” and his 40-strong entourage set up at Barrow Sixth Form College’s hall to film material for up to four episodes of ITV’s Dickinson’s Real Deal.

More than 260 people from Barrow and the surrounding area brought treasured antiques, heirlooms and curios to try their luck with the dealers.

Askam’s Sharon Phizacklea walked away with a big smile after she was one of the first locals to strike a “real deal”.

The 26-year-old kept her cool under the glare of the television lights to sell a nine-carat gold charm bracelet to savvy dealer Cheryl Hakeney for £350.

“My mum gave it to me on my 21st and she said we should bring it along,” she said.

“We didn’t have a figure in mind, but we just wanted to see what we could get for it.

“It was a surprise to actually be filmed, but you got used to the cameras being there and I really enjoyed it.”

Others who took collectables for appraisal included Mary and Sharon Smith, of Ulverston, who took their painting of Ulpha Hall Bridge House by former mayor and Millom councillor, Audrey Gabbert.

Mr Dickinson, who has hosted the show since 2006, said he was excited to see what valuables the locals would bring along.

“We have not been to Barrow before and so it’s a new experience, although we do often go to Kendal,” he said.

“Every week you go somewhere you always have high hopes because you just never know what’s going to turn up. It can be in a large city or a small rural area and marvelous things can turn up – there can be no rhyme or reason.”

The dapper 71-year-old presenter said he was also thrilled to be filming a piece on memorabilia from Ulverston’s Laurel and Hardy Museum.

“Perhaps the highlight of the day is that the representatives of the Laurel and Hardy Museum are bringing some of the collection along,” said the star.

“I was brought up with Stan and Ollie and I think all kids of my generation loved them, so that will be a highlight of the visit.”

Avid Real Deal fan Enid Corbett, of Walney, attended the morning session simply for the experience of seeing the show filmed.

“Oh yes, we love the show,” she said. “I wanted to see how it was all put together and it’s been most enjoyable.”

The Barrow episodes are not expected to air on ITV until 2013 and 2014.

First published at 16:44, Monday, 05 November 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk