Last updated 12:52, Monday, 18 August 2008

HE might drive a hard bargain in the antiques trade – but celebrity David Dickinson proved he’s a softy when it comes to helping a worthy cause.

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VIEWING A LOT: David Dickinson with auctioneer David Brooks while filming Real Deal REF: 0445670

“The Duke” had returned to South Lakeland with his wife Lorne to film an episode of his hit daytime show Real Deal.

The event, at Kendal Auction Rooms, followed a valuation day held at Ulverston’s Coronation Hall last month.

Mr Dickinson, famed for his catchphrase “cheap as chips”, met up with a number of people from across the area who had turned down a cash offer from an antiques dealer in a bid to secure a higher amount under the hammer.

But it was the dapple grey rocking horse – purchased at the Ulverston valuation by dealer Brenda Haller for £180 – that received his special attention.

He declared the purchase a “ real deal” and donated an extra £50 to the hospice on behalf of Real Deal production company RDF Media.

Mr Dickinson said: “ I would like to thank everyone for bidding on this great little piece to help raise funds for such a fantastic cause.

“It will restore up really well and be worth a tidy few quid.”

The 19th century wooden toy was donated to St Mary’s Hospice by a family from the town as a thank you for the care received by a relative. They wished to remain anonymous.

Auctioneer David Brookes, whose late wife Yvonne stayed at St Mary’s Hospice, also waived the commission fee on the item.

Caroline Glading, a therapist at the hospice, said the total raised was an incredible £373.

She added: “What David and his team have helped us achieve is wonderful for St Mary’s which provides care for people from all over South Cumbria. Dickinson’s Real Deal has also helped us to publicise the work the hospice does and our need to raise money to keep going.

“We are also very grateful to Mr Brookes for waiving the commission, which means all the money can go directly to the charity.”

Wearing his trademark pin stripe suit, Mr Dickinson watched eagerly to see how much lot three, a 19th century diver’s boot and knife, fetched once bidding started.

The items, which eventually went for £400, had caught his eye earlier in the day.

Another success story came for delighted Ulverston couple Pam and Terry Livermore, from Lund Hall. The pair opted to send their Heaton-Cooper watercolour to the auction to get the best price possible.

The painting, called The Steeple from Pillar Mountain, eventually sold for £600. Mrs Livermore, 58, said: “It’s not bad for something we paid £1 for at a car boot 20 years ago. We thought we were buying a frame that had an old certificate in it. But when we took it out there was a Heaton-Cooper behind it.”

She added: “We were really nervous before the auction, but we’re delighted now. The money is going towards a holiday to Egypt.”

Mr Dickinson, who films 80 episodes of Real Deal every year, said there was a buzz about Friday’s auction.

He added: “This is a really nice country auction house that has good local and dealer support.

“You can never tell for certain how things will go on the day – that’s the nice thing about this game, the prices aren’t fixed. But there is a great feel to it here.”