HUNDREDS of people packed King George’s Hall at the this weekend hoping TV star David Dickinson could do them a “real deal”.

The 74-year-old antiques expert and presenter of Dickinson’s Real Deal was delighted to get one visitor more than £2,000 for a diamond ring and a pensioner £850 for a century-old Indian ivory statuette of a snake charmer.

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Burnley father and daughter Ian and Sarah Smith and Blackburn pensioner Fred Taylor were equally delighted to go home with £75 and £40 respectively.

Many, like Maggie Vernon from Ewood, were there to meet the presenter and star of the show rather than come away with cash.

Dealer David Ford sat down with the Smiths to discuss four books of jokes, fresh from paying £2,100 for the diamond ring that excited Mr Dickinson.

They had been compiled by Mr Smith’s bookbinder and publisher father Jack, starting in the North Africa and Italian campaigns of the Second World War.

Mr Ford offered them £40, possibly because daughter Kelly Bannister is a stand-up comedian. Mr Smith, 67, from Briercliffe, took advice from his 12-year-old daughter and Mr Dickinson to seal the deal rather than go to auction. He said: “I, my wife Lynne and and Sarah will go out for a meal.

“I didn’t expect to get so much as humour has changed.

“I don’t always take my daughter’s advice but I’m glad I did today.”

Burnley High School pupil Sarah said: “We’ve had a great day.This ended up as no joke but a real deal!” Mr Taylor, from Hazel Grove, was pleased with £75 for a First World War One compass.

He said: “It’s a treat for my grandchildren.”

Miss Vernon, who had come with a collection of pottery and knick-knacks, said: “I’ve really come to meet David Dickinson as I’m a big fan.”

More than 500 people attended came to King George’s Hall for the recording, to be aired later in the year.

Mr Dickinson said of the venue: “It’s a lovely setting.

“We always seem to get more people when we record in the North. Every time we come out, I look forward to meeting people and finding interesting objects.

I’m pleased to have got a pensioner £850 for the ivory and really liked the diamond ring.”