BBC bosses have taken more than a dozen exhibits from Preston's Harris Museum to pick the brains of a panel of experts.

Antiques consultants from the Going For A Song show visited the town centre museum scouring for objects to use in their lunch-time quiz game.

The show, hosted by Eric Knowles five days a week, challenges antiques fans to trace the story behind unusual historic objects from museums around the country.

Preston's contributions include a swan-necked scent bottle, a papier mache card case, a wooden Buddha and a muffin dish.

BBC antiques consultant Adam Schoon was left with lasting impressions after his visit. He said: "The museum is a very attractive 19th century building which contrasts greatly with the first thing I saw which was the bus station. It looked like a spacecraft to me!

"I was flabbergasted at the wide variety and range of items at the Harris. I was particularly amazed by the stunning collection of perfume bottles from all over the world.

"The programme demands very interesting objects which strike up a lengthy conversation. The panel must talk about them for many minutes."

Paul Flintoff, the Harris's keeper of decorative arts, said: "We're flattered we were approached. We look forward to the show."

The chosen items were carefully packed and transported last Friday for a week's filming in Birmingham. It is hoped the Preston exhibits will be featured on a broadcast in January.

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