Ref. 72983-246CELEBRITY antiques dealer David Rolfe helped push up the price of bargains at a charity auction.

Mr Rolfe, 51, star of the ITV West show The Bargain Hunters, was the auctioneer at Westlea Pre-school, Langstone Way, yesterday.

Parents bid for 60 lots, including Swindon Town Football Club tickets and a day out with the local TV star. Proceeds will help the pre-school buy new toys and computer software.

Mr Rolfe, who opened an antiques shop in Bath after being diagnosed with cancer 12 years ago, said: "I like to do things like this auction in my spare time. We've raised an absolute fortune and people have given well over the odds for everything.

"I love antiques because there is nothing else like them. When I was diagnosed with cancer the doctor said if I were a horse he wouldn't back me.

"So I decided that before I snuffed it I would open up a little shop and fill it with junk and wait for the Grim Reaper to come but he never showed up and here I am today."

Producer Fiona Scott, who is also chairman of the pre-school committee, said Mr Rolfe did not hesitate when asked to support the event.

"He loves supporting good causes, particularly anything to do with children and any kind of cancer charity. He's always very supportive and offered his services for free," she said. Mrs Scott, who hopes the auction will raise more than £500, said it was important to introduce computers to the 50 pre-school children, who are all aged under five.

The Bargain Hunters, which is shown at 7.30pm on Tuesday, is one of ITV West most successful shows. Competitors are given £25 each and are asked to buy something which they can sell at a profit.

Ben Payne