THOUSANDS of hopefuls thronged the grounds of an historic hall as the BBC’s popular Antiques Roadshow rolled up.

The glorious weather yesterday meant a turnout of almost 3,000 people, clutching a huge variety of items, at the National Trust’s Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland.

The average attendance for the Antiques Roadshow is between 1,500 and 2,000.

Filming continued until the early evening with two shows being recorded from the bumper crowds, in what is the Antique Roadshow’s 34th series.

With the clear blue sky setting off the 18th Century stately home, the programmes will showcase the National Trust’s new visitor attraction nationally to millions of viewers when the series is broadcast this autumn.

The Journal backed the successful fund-raising campaign for Seaton Delaval Hall to be taken over by the National Trust and to be opened to the public.

Presenter Fiona Bruce praised the campaign, saying: “I think the place is absolutely stunning and it’s a testament to the will of local people that the campaign was successful and the property has attracted so many volunteers.

“It is obviously an important part of local life. The gardens are exquisite and the building is incredibly atmospheric.”

The array of Roadshow experts uncovered finds such as a wooden figure of Wearsider Jack Crawford, who won fame by nailing the shot-away colours back on to the mast of the ship Venerable in the Battle of Camperdown in 1797.

He became a national hero and has a statue in Sunderland.

The large figure came from a Sunderland pub which was demolished in 1948. Other finds included a military bedspread made by the owner’s great grandfather from old uniforms, plus his Crimean War medal; early 19th Century decorative plaster panels saved from a demolished church; a glass commemorating the mining disaster at Hartley pit near Seaton Delaval and a German table clock valued at £20,000.

A Roadshow spokeswoman said last night: “We have had a very good turnout, gorgeous weather, and a wonderful selection of items in a beautiful setting.”

Hall property manager Judith Cashman said: “The visit has been a fantastic opportunity for us and is invaluable in terms of raising our profile.”