Exeter welcomes the Antiques Roadshow

The Antiques Roadshow has come to Exeter.

The BBC television show, now into its 36th series, will see some of the UK’s top experts in antiques and fine arts offering free valuations to anyone who attends.

By 9am the queue was already several hundred strong with people and antiques stretching around Exeter Cathedral Green.

One of the attendants was Melanie Sharwood (pictured) who brought a treasured painting to be appraised.

Melanie said: “I’ve had it since the early to mid-70s when it came into my parents' auction room and I’ve always loved it.

“It cost £35 years ago and I don’t care if it’s not worth a penny more. I just want to know a little bit more of the history of it and see if I can get it cleaned up a bit, because I just love it... love the expression on the horse's face and everything about it.

“I want to know if it’s anything special or not because if it is I need to get it insured, if not i can just relax and enjoy it anyway, I’m not going to sell it whatever.”

This will be presenter Fiona Bruce’s sixth year with the Roadshow and she says, “Presenting the Antiques Roadshow is, for me, one of those rare and very lucky coincidences in television when you get to work on a show that you already love to watch.

"Exploring the human story behind every object is what makes Antiques Roadshow so fascinating. And everyone loves the agony and ecstasy of the 'what's it worth? moment. The AR isn't just about antiques - it's history, beauty and drama all wrapped up in one."