Jeweller Tim Blades hopes to make a cameo appearance in a forthcoming Time Team television programme.

Mr Blades, 52, from Shipton Moyne, near Malmesbury, is expected to appear in two episodes of the Channel Four archaeology programme.

He became involved with the archaeological team led by actor Tony Robinson after they visited a Roman cavalry fort in Glasgow.

The programme makers wanted someone to replicate a Roman

cavalry stand, known as a Draco.

And, after turning to Little Somerford sword maker Hector Cole for help, they found Mr Blades.

Last June Mr Blades spent three days with the Time Team outside Glasgow making a gold-plated Draco, complete with a dragonhead.

He then spent a further three days with the team near Edinburgh where he produced an eighth-century style Pictish silver leaf.

Recalling his experience Mr Blades said: "I really enjoyed it.

"I am interested in old metal work and it was very interesting to be in a cave melting the metal over a charcoal fire for the silver leaf.

"Everybody I know wants to watch the programme when it comes on television."

Mr Blades has a workshop in Shipton Moyne and specialises in making unusual pieces of jewellery.

The Time Team episodes featuring Mr Blades are expected to be broadcast at the end of the month and the beginning of February.