TV antiques expert Paul Martin will be touring Wiltshire's towns and villages this month offering free community valuation.

The presenter, best known for appearing on Flog It!, Antiques Road Trip and Countryfile, says he couldn’t be more excited for the tour, which will kick off in Marlborough where his career all began.

"Even though I am a TV presenter and still enjoy my broadcast career, I’m an antiques man at heart and these events allow me to get back to what drives me – the people, their objects and the stories they tell,” explained Paul.

“Marlborough is very close to my heart. I had my own shop here for seven years and was very happy.

“It was here that a BBC researcher walked in one day and she felt I’d make a TV presenter and expert around antiques.

“That small conversation led to a career I could not have imagined. I have a lot to thank Marlborough for!”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The TV presenter says Marlborough is a town very close to his heart.The TV presenter says Marlborough is a town very close to his heart. (Image: Newsquest)

Paul’s free community valuation tour will begin at the Castle & Ball Hotel in Marlborough on Tuesday, January 23, where he will be sharing his expert knowledge and experience with the community.

The day is part of a programme of valuation days being run by Paul in his role as head of valuations with Devizes auctioneers Henry Aldridge & Son.

After departing Marlborough, Paul will be stopping at the following places:

  • The Marsh Farm Hotel, Royal Wootton Bassett – Monday, January 29.
  • The George, Mere – Wednesday, February 7.
  • The REME Museum, Lyneham – Wednesday, February 14.
  • STEAM, Swindon – Monday, February 19.
  • Athenaeum Theatre, Warminster – Tuesday, February 27.

All community valuation events will run from 10am to 3pm, and are a chance for members of the public to dust off those items they’ve always been curious about and bring them to be discussed, valued and perhaps sold.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Paul Martin is getting ready to launch a new Channel 5 programme later this year.Paul Martin is getting ready to launch a new Channel 5 programme later this year. (Image: Trevor Porter)

According to Paul, the free Wiltshire events are his way of getting back to his roots before the launch of his new Channel 5 series, Paul Martin’s Auction Showdown, which goes live later this year.

“Wiltshire is such a great part of the country to host these kinds of days,” said the celebrity presenter.

“There is so much history here and the people are really generous with their time and curiosity, so I’m sure we’ll see some fascinating items and learn lots from the stories attached to them.” 

“There are Wiltshire families who have a history in the area going back generations, so it’s entirely possible we’ll see people bringing along heirlooms that are related to the history of the place too," he added.