A MAN from Hexham has shown off a treasured mantle clock he bought for £1 on a new TV show about antiques.

John Cody Doherty, 29, from Hexham, signed up for the new Channel 5 television show called the Great Auction Showdown, presented by antique dealer, Paul Martin.

Mr Martin has presented shows including Antiques Road Trip, BBC show Flog It! and Street Auction.

Produced by STV Studios, the show features Mr Martin competing with a rival antique expert to make the most money when auctioning their goods at the end of each day.

Hexham Courant: John's Smiths Enfield Westminster chime mantle clock, estimated between 1930 and 1940John's Smiths Enfield Westminster chime mantle clock, estimated between 1930 and 1940 (Image: John Cody Doherty)

John applied to be on the show after seeing its Facebook advert for disabled or LGBT people to participate. 

John said: "I wasn’t sure about applying at first as being disabled and autistic I’m badly nervous around people and strange places, and especially on television.

"Then I read on the poster on Facebook that STV on behalf of Channel 5 were keen to seek disabled, differently able, LGBT applicants to make the show diverse and equal," John said.

He went to the Alnwick Gardens which hosted the show on April 28, to show his valued Westminster chime mantle clock.

John said Paul sat with him to research and prepare for filming.

"As I got kitted out with a microphone by the crew and told which of my glasses to wear to match my hair, Paul was briefed for his introduction.

"He walked in and had to pretend he spotted me in the crowd. He said 'I love your hair', which is bright pink.

"We got talking about the item and where I got it, and the fact it was £1 at a charity shop some years back. He said it’s only worth £10 to £15, but on a good day could do more.

"We then had a chat and play with the item to take the required shots for the camera, and I had to film a shot of me walking in placing it on the table and playing with it.

"I told Paul in our initial on-camera conversation that I was disabled as he asked what kind of work I did.

"I said I used to be a care worker but sadly had to leave the job due to disability. He said, 'hopefully you can get back into it soon'."