ANTIQUES expert Eric Knowles held a roadshow with a difference - to help a young disabled girl.

Nelson-born Eric, known to millions of Antiques Roadshow viewers, joined a charity valuation day in Samlesbury Hall yesterday, where he and other experts from Bonhams Auctioneers gave their services for free, to help 21-month-old Eva Heeks.

Eva, who lives with her family at Blackamoor Road, Guide, caught a strain of meningitis as a baby which left her deaf and blind, and unable to walk, talk, breathe or eat on her own. She has 24-hour care from her parents and respite support from Derian House children's hospice near Chorley and Blackburn's Crossroads charity.

So far, fundraisers have made more than £5,000 to buy a 'sensory room' for Eva, which will contain lights and massage equipment to comfort and stimulate her.

Scores of people turned up to the event, taking paintings, ceramics, furniture and all manner of family heirlooms with them.

Eric said: "I'm a parent and cannot begin to imagine the strain this puts on Eva's parents and family. I get many requests for good causes but am not able to do them all. But I had the opportunity to help Eva, whose case is particularly special."

Eva and parents Julie and Ray Heeks, both 36, were also there to thank Eric for his efforts.

Julie, a former Queen's Park Hospital auxiliary maternity nurse, said: "We're really grateful to everyone who's helping, including Eric. We really appreciate his help.

"We've had help from about 150 individuals, from family, friends and neighbours, to anonymous donors and celebrities, including the author JK Rowling."

Ray, a Twin Valley Homes neighbourhood worker, said: "We're also trying to raise awareness of meningitis and its various symptoms.

"Lots of people think that a rash is the symptom. But another symptom is like having the flu. With Eva, she went off her food when she was six days old and became ashen-faced. We got a midwife tzo see her, who said get her to the hospital."

Since then, Eva has had constant care and she breathes with help from an oxygen tank carried in her pram.

Eva's aunt Pauline Perry, of Platt Bridge, Wigan, has organised fundraising events for her niece and said: "We wanted to raise £3,000, but have so far got £5,240. I wrote to 700 celebrities including Eric. Uri Geller has donated £1,000 and Eva and her parents will meet him in Berkshire in July."

Atlas Travel is providing a free coach trip to a fundraising night in Wigan tonight leaving Darwen at 6.30pm. Details from Pauline on 07939 041716.