ANTIQUES expert Henry Sandon, one of Worcester's best known celebrities, has an infectious enthusiasm for his subject that spills over into everything he does.

At 78, he is still collecting pots, 'not just one a week, more like one a day' and working as hard as ever.

"Don't try to imagine my house - it's hard to get in the front door," he said.

"I'm a potaholic. They are up the stairs and in the bed. We have to clear it before we get into it."

Back home in Worcester this week after lecturing on a cruise in the Baltic, he starts filming today for the next series of BBC One's Antiques Roadshow, which has made his face familiar in homes all over the country.

Between recordings in London and Buckinghamshire, he has dates in Tewkesbury and Upton-upon-Severn, to be followed by a show at Worcester's Swan Theatre, This is your Life and These Are Your Antiques.

The afternoon at the Swan, on Sunday, July 16, will start with a pre-show valuation session, when he will cast an expert eye over people's family treasures.

He will take along some of his favourite pots and talk about these and items people take along for valuation, spicing his commentary with stories and anecdotes.

"There is always something interesting that I haven't seen before, especially in a place like Worcester," he said.

"Everyone here has some connection with the Royal Worcester factory and they bring in the most incredibly interesting things." For tickets for the show call 01905 611427.