A SKELETON puppet, a Persian teapot and porcelain figurines that had been hiding in an attic for years were among hundreds of items Antiques Roadshow experts studied when the show rolled into the Ribble Valley.

Michael Aspel and the team attracted 1,500 people from across East Lancashire for filming of the show at Roefield Leisure Centre, in Clitheroe.

People queued up from daybreak with their antiques and artifacts to discover if their family heirloom was worth a small fortune.

And there was certainly a smile on the face of Blackburn resident Leroy Porter, 32, who discovered the pair of porcelain figurines tucked away in his attic were indeed worth a pretty penny.

Jubilant Leroy was told by world porcelain expert Henry Sandon that the figurines were worth a cool £1,000 -- far more than he had expected.

He said: "The figurines are a pair of Royal Worcester sugar shakers and I thought they had some value, but nowhere near that much.

"He valued another piece I brought at £600, so I suppose you could say I've had a good day."

Alan and Janet Machin, of the Ribble Valley, were more than a little chuffed when Henry Sandon valued their coffee pot at £450.

Alan said: "It was made by a company called Machin owned by my great-great-grandfather around 1800. It has very distinctive patterning and I collect Machin pottery just because of the family connection. It seems to be gaining in popularity, so I am very pleased.

Shane Smalle, 36, of Chorley, discovered the decorative Persian teapot bought by his mum for a few pounds in South Africa was worth at least £400.

He said: "The expert told me it originated from Persia around 1900 and is quite rare. To be honest, it sits on the hearth of my fire and gets all sorts chucked in.

"I am pleased if not a little surprised with the valuation and it was great to take part in the show. I've had a really good time."

Retired Whalley drama teacher Mary Jones was also hopeful that her Pelham skeleton puppet might pull a few strings with the experts.

She said: "Pelham is a famous make of wooden puppet that has become highly sought after, particularly in its original packaging. I've no idea what it's worth and have come to get the view of the experts, so fingers-crossed."

The Antiques Roadshow is one of the BBC's most popular television programmes and regularly watched by nine million viewers.

Presenter Michael Aspel said he had enjoyed his two-day stay in the Ribble Valley and there had been a great turnout to the show.

He said: "This is a lovely area and we have been filming at Stonyhurst College and Pendle Hill, but sadly didn't get to Downham.

"We are always worried that people won't turn up but the queues started at six o'clock, which is great, and people have been bringing some interesting things.

"We've really enjoyed our stay and are looking forward to a great show."

The Antiques Roadshow has not only spawned two foreign versions -- in Sweden and America -- it is also screened across the Commonwealth, has achieved cult status in Canada and is spreading like wildfire across Latin America.

Producer Christopher Lewis said: "Antiques is a field where almost all the enjoyment comes from learning and we've always wanted to teach people how to develop an eye for rare and beautiful things."

The show is expected to be screened this winter.