A diary written by the wife of Vice-Admiral Robert FitzRoy, who captained the HMS Beagle on a five-year voyage with Charles Darwin on board, was one of the gems uncovered during the filming of Flog It! in Warminster.

Crews with the BBC show descended on Warminster Assembly Rooms on Tuesday, determined to unearth treasures in the town.

More than 700 people turned up to the filming, to show antique specialists and Flog It! presenters their items, including everything from paintings to china and silverware.

John Baker, from Staverton near Trowbridge, met presenter Kate Bliss on the day.

He said: “I have brought along a diary of Mary O’Brien who was married to the Vice Admiral Robert FitzRoy, who was in charge of the HMS Beagle.

“I think it dates back to 1831 and it is a very personal item.

“I was given it by one of my aunts, I think she worked at Chantmarle Manor (in Dorset) where she lived.

“I have had it about 40 years.”

Following HMS Beagle’s voyage of the southern hemisphere, Darwin became established as an eminent geologist and went onto write the Origin of Species.

John Beresford, 79, of Dursley Road, Trowbridge brought with him a piece of Danish Glass, which was valued by David Fletcher at about £30, while his wife Avril brought in an unopened box of Christmas crackers, which she had bought 40 years ago, however specialists advised her that they would sell on better on eBay than in an auction, for between £60 and £100.

Sally Taylor, of Victoria Gardens, Trowbridge, brought in a glass advertisement of Belle Vue Circus in Manchester, which she thinks dates back to the 1920s and is expected to sell for between £60 and £100 at an auction.

Presenter Paul Martin, who lives in Seend, took great interest in a painting brought in by Lindsay Davis, from Radstock.

Mr Martin said: “This is an interesting painting which is inspired by Scottish colours.

“Mr Davis thought it was worth about £25, but we think it is worth between £500 and £700. It has been exhibited in the Royal Academy.”

Mr Martin said he thinks it could be the surprise show stopper at the forthcoming auction, which will be filmed at the Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes on January 16.