VISITOR numbers have risen at Towneley Hall in Burnley after the landmark was given the chance to shine in a new BBC antiques show.

Producers of cultured quiz Antiques Master, hosted by Sandi Toksvig, chose the historic hall as an authentic backdrop for their debut season.

And as a result, hundreds of extra visitors are thought to have flocked to the Burnley mansion.

Show expert Eric Knowles, originally from Nelson, told the Lancashire Telegraph he felt like he was “coming home” when he discovered Antiques Master was to be filmed at Towneley.

He had visited the listed landmark as a child and gave viewers a guided tour of what was the Towneley family home for 500 years, in the initial episode of the BBC2 programme.

Now the first series has been aired, with Sue Jones, a Wirral collector, being crowned champion, and staff at the hall have been reaping the rewards.

Denise Walters, Towneley’s assistant manager said: “We have had lots of visitors who have seen the programme and wanted to see where it was filmed, they particularly enjoy seeing the two Regency rooms.

“Visitors have of course also been very interested in the antiques, some of which are part of Towneley’s large collection, including the Pilkington Pottery and Spode wear, and also furniture including the Windsor chairs from the Regency rooms.”

One final celebrity episode, featuring Geoff Capes and EastEnders’ Ricky Groves, will be broadcast today.

Simon Goff, the borough council’s amenities head, said the producers would be welcomed back if they decided to stage a second series at the hall.