PEOPLE packed into a fundraising evening for Weymouth Lifeboat Station hosted by antiques expert Paul Atterbury.

The BBC Antiques Roadshow star hosted the event on Thursday, April 16 at Weymouth Pavilion, where he spoke about his experience with antiques.

Mr Atterbury specialises in the art, architecture, design and decorative arts of the 19th and 20th centuries and is best known for his appearances on the BBC show since 1979.

At the event, there was the chance to enter a raffle and 10 raffle winners were given the chance to have their antique item valued by Mr Atterbury.

Items valued included a Japanese tray, a Weymouth trademark plate dating from the 18th century, antique clockwork toys, a Venetian glass vase, tankards, a truncheon, a pottery tea caddy and more.

Mr Atterbury also donated a copy of his latest book, which was auctioned off on the night raising an extra £45 for the RNLI.

Event organiser Carol Pitman said the event has raised £700 so far and saw a turnout of at least 65 people.

She added: “The event was a real success and a massive thank you must go to Paul and everyone who attended the event.

“We are delighted with the amount we have raised and it is going towards a great cause.

“At the event, Paul was very interesting to listen to and he had so many exciting stories to tell.

“A lot of people said after the event how they weren’t that interested in antiques but actually really enjoyed the evening, which is fantastic for us to hear.”

Carol, who began volunteering for the RNLI nine years ago, said she knew Paul lived in Weymouth and approached him at a recent event to ask if he could host the fundraiser.

She said he agreed to give his time for free and is very keen to support the RNLI.

Carol also thanked all the staff at Weymouth Pavilion for their help with the event, and said she hoped to raise another antiques evening next year.

She added: “We’re also resurrecting the Weymouth Lifeboat Ball in October this year, which will be held in the pavilion.

“Our next fundraising event will be a plant sale on May 6 and our house to house collection will run from July 6 to July 12 this year.”