ANTIQUES expert Paul Martin enjoyed a return to familiar territory as he filmed his latest BBC show in Taunton.

Martin, who gained notoriety as the host of 'Flog It!' between 2002 and 2018, now fronts 'Make Me a Dealer', which is into its second series.

Two episodes were filmed on Thursday in Greenslade Taylor Hunt's Octagon Salesroom, East Reach, with two teams of wannabe dealers going in search of hidden gems to turn a profit.

"We are putting trainee dealers through their paces," Martin said.

"They are using their own money, which is a totally different format for the BBC, and they are getting guidance from experts along the way.

"We are having an appraisal of their technique and it is quite revealing, slightly humiliating and very rewarding.

"They are risking their own money and lots do lose their money – it’s the real world.

"There is a lot of humour, a lot of banter coming through and it is good entertainment, which is what it’s all about."

Martin, 60, went on to offer his top tips to any budding traders looking to enter the antiques world.

"Do your research," he said.

"Do your homework about who you are selling to and research your item thoroughly. Get to know its history.

"Provenance is key – buy anything that’s signed or designed.

"If it has got a signature or a date, you know it has a time and place and you can research that time period.

"If it is good design for its period, that is another thing to go for."

The standout item on show in Taunton amongst, in Martin's words, "some of the most wonderful gems", was an original maritime painting by Scottish artist William Clark which fetched £4,500.

And this is a part of the world Martin never tires of coming back to.

"I love Taunton," he said.

"As a kid I used to go on holiday with my parents to Wiveliscombe to stay on a farm, which was great fun, so I have fond memories of Taunton.

"I was born in London but my parents fell in love with the Westcountry and we moved to Falmouth when I was 15, so Somerset has always been halfway to Cornwall for me.

"It resonates heritage, this place."