Antique collectors were turning their prized collectables into hard cash thanks to the BBC TV auction programme Flog It!.

Nice example - Paul Martin, presenter of Flog It!, with Dennis Hummel and James Grinter, who take a closer look at an auction piece. Picture: TERRY WEEDEN (45089-1)

Following an initial recording of the programme at Essex University last month, makers of the programme took 20 local collectors to Colchester auction house Reeman Dansie this week to see if the experts' valuations remained true to form in a real-life sale.

The television show took over the auctioneers, located on Severalls industrial site, yesterday. The morning session struck gold with one object.

James Grinter, partner and auctioneer at Reeman Dansie, said: "They had a wonderful result early on with a Troika vase, which was estimated at between £400 and £600 and actually went for £1,750.

"There were 20 people in all taking part, which I believe will eventually cover at least four shows."

Presented by Paul Martin, viewers can see the Colchester editions of the popular tea-time programme when it is aired later this year.

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Published Wednesday, September 21, 2005

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