Oldham’s the Real Deal

DOING a deal . . .Elaine Griffiths shows David Dickinson the sword she picked up at a car boot sale

BETTER than those posh areas in the Cotswolds! That was the verdict of antiques expert David Dickinson when Oldham proved itself the real deal.

Around 500 people turned up to see “The Duke” — famed for his tan, sharp suits and irrepressible charm — film at Oldham Sports Centre on Saturday

Many of them brought along items in a bid to appear with the real-life Lovejoy on his hit ITV show “Dickinson’s Real Deal”.

They had to decide whether to accept a price offered by a dealer or try to make more at auction.

Antiques brought along included a signed Lowry print of Salford, a Moorcroft vase and a Victorian desk set, and the flamboyant presenter from Cheadle told the Oldham Chronicle: “I think it’s gone fabulously.

“We would like to try and come back sometime because there has been a steady flow of goods all the way through the day. There was a massive queue this morning.”

Among those chosen to appear on the show was bargain hunter Elaine Griffiths (56) from Ashton who sold a French naval officer’s sword for £180, but decided to take a diver’s knife to an auction in April.

She snapped them up at car boot sales and said: “I am pleased, it has gone very well. I have watched the show on TV for a while and I always thought if it comes close enough I would go.

“I just like travelling round the car boot sales and the one in Oldham on a Sunday is brilliant. I have picked up quite a few bargains, but this is the first time I have ever sold anything.”

David, who shot to fame on “Bargain Hunt”, signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans as he moved seamlessly between the four identical sets where the deals were being filmed.

Those in the queue included Margaret Gray (55) from Failsworth. She took along grandson Cade Barker (14) and friend Lyle Moe (15 ) and revealed: “It’s fantastic to be here. I want to meet him and give him a hug.”

Dealer David Tupman chatted to the Oldham Chronicle as he wrapped up his day’s filming and said: “The items have been reasonably interesting.

Three episodes from Oldham are expected to be screened later this year.