A BUZZ of excitement swept through Melksham when television crews arrived in town.

One of television's most popular shows drew the crowds to the Christie Miller Sports Centre.

Many people started queuing two hours before the doors opened for the BBC's Antiques Roadshow, all laden down with family heirlooms, household treasures and car boot sale bargains.

In the first 90 minutes more than 450 people were given tickets and by 6pm a number of exciting items had come to light.

Show spokesman Olwen Gillespie said the response from the west Wiltshire town had been one of the best in this series.

She said: "People were queuing for many hours but everyone was very good natured and we found some interesting bits and pieces."

The cameras rolled in the centre with Michael Aspel and his team of 18 experts on hand to tell the stories behind heirlooms which ranged from old cameras to jewellery caskets.

Among the finds were a selection of sketches and paintings by various artists which would, at auction, fetch up to £15,000.

A 16th-century jewellery chest was valued at £5,000 and a square, silver Liberty box was estimated to fetch between £10,000 and £15,000.

New presenter Michael Aspel attracted as much attention as some of the antiques. He joined the show in its 23rd series and the Melksham show was the 18th programme he had overseen.

He said: "I was quite nervous taking over but have had a very enjoyable time. It is one of the best things on the television. It is a programme about people, a history programme and a detective story, and there are lots of beautiful things to look at.

"Despite having to queue for a long time everyone has been very friendly and very patient. Melksham has lots to offer and we have been made to feel very welcome in the town," said Michael.

The Melksham event will be broadcast in March.