Towneley

A NEW series of a hit BBC quiz show, featuring East Lancashire's own Eric Knowles, is set to be filmed in Burnley, it has been announced.

Historic Towneley Hall will again be the venue for Antique Masters, the panel programme which was a success on BBC2 last year.

Knowles, who grew up in Nelson, said it felt like he was 'coming home' when filming began in the venue's Regency Room.

He was taken on tours of Towneley as a youngster and insisted the Towneley family home was a 'hidden gem' which deserved to take centre stage.

Antique lovers from around the UK battled it out during the last series for the first Antiques Master prize and producers were impressed with the hall's ambience.

During filming entry will be restricted to the Great Hall, Regency Room and Long Gallery at the hall.

But programme makers have promised that, accompanied by a guide, fans will have the chance for an inside look at the show's set.

Ken Darwen, Towneley Hall's manager, said: "We're delighted that the BBC have returned to Towneley to film a second series, as it was great to have them here last year.

"The programme was great publicity for the hall, and it made us very proud to have Towneley broadcast into homes across the UK.

"We hope that everyone will be tuned in when the programme airs later in the year."

The airing of the last series was said to have provided a significant boost to visitor numbers.