GRANADA TV's Paul Crone thinks he may have discovered a hidden treasure after stopping off in Preston on a fund-raising tour of the region.

When presenter Paul pulled into the Flag Market on Tuesday in search of jewellery for the Granada Treasure Appeal, he was astonished to be handed an antique men's fob watch, which could be one of the most valuable items donated during the campaign.

A Preston man gave Paul the watch, which was made by a Church Street jeweller, to be auctioned off to raise cash for the Lifeboat Appeal.

But the Granada Tonight team are now investigating the origins of the time-keeper, so that it can be officially valued.

The find brightened up the day for Paul, whose motorised 'boat' broke down on the M6 en route to Preston. While the crowds waited for the Granada funnyman to arrive they were entertained by Preston's Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Geoff Swarbrick and wife Jean, who brought along their own valuable piece of jewellery - Preston's 300-year-old gold mayoral mace, pictured.

Marjorie Barnes, the mayor's secretary, said: "The mace was presented to Preston in 1702 and is a pretty dramatic item, which kept the crowd amused until Paul Crone and his team arrived.

"He could hardly believe his luck when the fob watch was handed in. It's a real treasure. Paul promised to get back in touch, once his researchers have uncovered the history behind it."

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