Bargain hunters were hoping their treasured possessions weren't "cheap as chips" when TV antiques expert David Dickinson valued them yesterday.

The host of BBC1's Bargain Hunt was in Bradford to look at items brought along to a table top sale at Penningtons in Manningham Lane.

The event, called Junk in a Trunk, was held to raise funds for the Lord Mayor's appeal, children's cancer charity Candlelighters.

About 200 people, from students to pensioners, turned out for the sale which featured a range of stalls selling everything from novelty teapots to a rare Dutch-produced Beatles record.

As Mr Dickinson, looking dapper in a dark grey pinstripe suit, made his appearance a group of students stood alongside several old ladies, cameras poised, to take pictures of their cult TV hero.

"I'm 60 years old and to have this wide appeal with young and older people is fantastic," he said. "It doesn't seem real, I have to pinch myself sometimes. It's wonderful to see so many people here. Small furniture is my field of expertise but I'll do what I can to give some valuations today."

David revealed that his last visit to Bradford was in a very different role.

"I haven't been here for about 20 years. My wife, who's an international cabaret artist, used to perform at the Lyceum here and I used to come along as her manager," he said.

Among the items David was asked to value were a pair of Scrimshaw Horns - whales' teeth engraved by sailors. Unfortunately, he concluded they were fakes.

Other items up for valuation included a pre-1950s Japanese doll with real hair and silk clothes, an Art Deco lamp and a Vesta snakeskin matchbox.

Josie Pennington, chairman of the appeal committee which organised the event, said: "It's great to see such a variety of things. We had people queuing outside this morning, there's been a really good turnout. David is very popular and we're delighted he could come, especially since it's in such a good cause."

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Richard Wightman, who is pictured with David, said: "I'm keen on antiques and it's been fascinating wandering round seeing what's on offer."

Items for sale included old books, jewellery, wedding dresses, toys and antique china.

Nafees Nazir, who collected old books and silver objects, had Bradford train timetables dating as far back as 1879 on his stall. Nafees brought along a pair of 17th century silver spoons to be valued. "I'm a fan of David's, but these might challenge him a bit as they're not really his field. I'm hoping they're worth a few thousand," he said.