A MUSEUM owner was left in shock when a TV crew and presenter 'turned up out of the blue' to film for a popular day-time show.

Neil Cole, owner of the Museum of Classic Sci-Fi in Allendale, got a surprise visit from Tim Hogarth and a TV crew from the antique show Dickinson's Real Deal.

After explaining their prompt visit - Neil was eager and happily gave a tour around the museum and assisted in their filming for the show.

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The museum opened in 2018 and houses a collection of more than 200 props, costumes and artworks from a number of 'classic' mid to late-20th century science fiction franchises.

"I can't believe that Tim just turned up out of the blue," Neil said.

"After getting over the shock Tim explained that they wanted to film a short insert shot for an upcoming episode where Tim buys a 1970's Palitoy Talking Dalek and then wanted to juxtapose the toy with a full-size version.

"He said that he knew the best place to come to for the episode - which was very flattering to hear from him.

"He then then looked around the museum and took a couple of shots inside.

"Before leaving Tim told me that he had being very impressed by it all.

"I am really looking forward to seeing the end result when the episode comes out."

Although Neil is no stranger to the 'spot light' of fame after appearing on Netflix 'Amazing Interiors' in 2018 and won more than 40 awards for ‘Lockdown – The Doctor Who Fans’ survival guide located in the musuem, he is still amazed how well-known his business is.

He adds: "It is very satisfying knowing that the museum is slowly sinking into a wider public context."