ONE of TV's longest-running programmes is coming to Lancaster... offering local people an opportunity to grab their place in front of the cameras.

The popular Antiques Roadshow will set up camp in Lancaster Town Hall on Thursday, September 22, from 9.30am.

Hordes of people are expected to descend on the historic building with treasured possessions and family heirlooms to be scrutinised by evergreen presenter Michael Aspel .

He will be accompanied by a team of leading antiques and fine arts specialists, who will offer free advice and valuations to visitors throughout the day.

Aspel, who has presented the show for five years, says: "The Antiques Roadshow is literally a national treasure. It's a detective story, a game show and a history lesson."

Series Editor Simon Shaw says: "The team is looking forward to visiting Lancaster. It's always exciting to see what will come to light on the day.

We regularly see up to 2,000 visitors in a day - and despite the high turnout everyone will get to see an expert."

o People with large pieces of furniture or other big items are asked to send details and photographs of their objects in advance to Antiques Roadshow, BBC, Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2LR or e-mail them to: antiques.roadshow@bbc.co.uk.