A BID to bring the hit TV show Antiques Roadshow to Epping Forest has been enthusiastically welcomed by traders in the district.
The BBC, which broadcasts the programme, had said it will consider the area for filming a future episode after an application by staff at Waltham Abbey Town Council.
Although the production schedule has been completed for next year, fans hope the show could come either to Waltham Abbey or another part of the district for a future series.
Waltham Abbey Town Council clerk, Kathryn Richmond, who submitted the application, said: "We think it would be a superb idea.
"The BBC have quite strict rules and regulations about how often they film in particular areas of the country, but we're hoping they will consider us."
Kim Yardley, who has worked in the business for 30 years and owns the Little Pink Antique Shop and Pandora's Box in Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, said she was delighted at the prospect.
She told the Guardian: “It's a brilliant idea. I think it would help the antiques market here and bring people to the area.
“There's a lot of very good antiques in the district, we get and sell all sorts. The producers would certainly get a lot of material if the programme came here.
“The market is very vibrant and competitive in the district, but we're all quite friendly too.”
Paul Robinson, of Heritage Antiques in Epping High Street, said: “We would definitely support the programme coming here.
“We're big fans of the show and we often watch it.
“We get lots of items here, but probably the most valuable item we've had recently is a grandfather clock, which is worth around £700 to £900.”
A spokeswoman for the BBC said: “In order to cover the country, the Roadshow tries not to re-visit the same place, or anywhere within a 20-mile radius of it, for approximately 10 years.
“We keep a database of viable locations waiting for their time to come but we are always on the look-out for new venues, particularly viable interior spaces.”
Have you got an antique you think might be of interest to the programme? Contact the Guardian to tell us about it so we can show the BBC why our district is worth coming to. Email reporter Daniel Binns at dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 0779 547 6625.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here