A POPULAR TV presenter uncovered some hidden gems at a luxury hotel in our area yesterday.

Well-known antiques expert Paul Martin, and presenter on BBC One's Flog It!, hosted a free community valuation day at the Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury on Monday, April 22. 

Mr Martin has been a presenter on a number of popular TV shows over the last two decades including Antiques Road Trip and Countryfile.

His brand-new series Paul Martin’s Auction Showdown is due to be broadcast on Channel 5 later this year.

The antiques expert chatted to lots of Malmesbury residents on Monday and examined an abundance of fascinating antiques, collectables, silver, gold, militaria and jewellery.

A spokesperson for the Old Bell Hotel said on Facebook: "What a fantastic valuation day we’ve had with Flog It’s Paul Martin.

"Some great discoveries and lots of happy people, even our owners Kim and Whit popped along with a few treasures of their own!"

The event was run in partnership with world-renowned Devizes auctioneers Henry Aldridge & Son.

Mr Martin is head of valuations at Henry Aldridge & Son and enjoyed his visit to the Old Bell.

The antiques dealer said: “Malmesbury has such a varied and interesting history, much of which you can still see the evidence of in the town and its surroundings, because so much of its history is connected to its geographical location. 

"What’s exciting about community valuation days is you never quite know what will turn up.

"It’s full of surprises!”