A COLLECTOR of cigarette lighters has been 'head-hunted' for his expertise and will appear at an antiques show to give on-the-spot evaluations.

David Ashworth, from Burnley, has been collecting lighters for about six years and now has between 600 and 700, some worth more than £1,000.

He will join BBC Antiques Roadshow expert Eric Knowles at the Ronson Memorabilia Search, in the British Airways Travel Shop, St Mary's Gate, Manchester, next Tuesday, between 10am and 4pm.

David said: "I travel all round the country to antique fairs looking for these lighters. I also have friends who look for me when they go abroad.

"Most of mine are quite rare and are from the art deco period between 1935 and 1942."

As part of their centenary celebrations, Ronson are holding a worldwide search for antique lighters and encouraging people to take along any keepsakes.

They are also hoping to hear from people who have other Ronson products, including table lamps, shavers, clocks, and decorative mirrors.

The articles will be exhibited in London and owners of the most interesting ones will receive prizes, including round-the-world air tickets.

For further details contact Joanne Carr on 0171 630 1411.

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