MORE than 400 people walked through the doors of Aberystwyth’s Old College on Thursday for the chance to sell their valuables on national television.

The queue to take part in Flog It! started to form at around 9am and, such is the popularity of the show – or the desire to make a mint selling the family heirlooms – that there were still people clutching boxes and bags eight hours later.

A team of experts could be found at the end of the queue, waiting patiently in the spectacular Seddon Room hoping to find some interesting and expensive items.

Once valued, the owner and a team of experts decided whether the object would be filmed and if it would be sent to auction in Carmarthen, for inclusion in their sale in November.

Meanwhile, presenter Paul Martin could be seen around the Old College meeting students, residents and filming segments for the show.

During a quick break he told me this was his first visit to Aberystwyth and he was impressed, but he was also sorry not to be able to return for the auction.

“I’ve been to west Wales but before but I haven’t been to Aberystwyth,” he said. “I had a wander yesterday and we went up the Cliff Railway to do some filming. I can see why people come here to study.

“It’s been great coming here because I love regional furniture and we’ve had lots of Welsh furniture, but it’s a shame there’s not a local auction room. We’ll have to go to Carmarthen. I think there’s a market for one in Aberystwyth and people wouldn’t be disappointed because we’ve found lots of great things.”

Paul, who has presented the show since 2002, was joined at the valuation day by on-screen experts Christina Trevanion, Raj Bisram and David Harper.

I didn’t get to meet any of them because I didn’t want to part with my items, but the day also served as a valuation event. Everyone who went along received a free appraisal of their antiques, even if they were not chosen for filming or for auction, or, like mine, were still very much wanted.

After queuing for about an hour-and-a half I found myself sitting before off-screen expert Andrew McCann. He carefully evaluated some jewellery I’d inherited and was able to tell me some fascinating facts such as the ages of some of the items and where they probably originated from. Then he came to the same conclusion I had about the beautiful pieces – that whilst they have huge sentimental value, they have a low monetary worth.

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