Generation game for Shropshire Bargain Hunt teams

In the blue corner - or team - were the mature ladies of the Llansantfraid Women's Institute, while in the red were two brothers in their 20s from Ludlow.

Their mission was to spend an hour scouring the regular Amulet Antiques Fair at the Oswestry Showground to acquire the best bargains possible with £300.

And the winners from the weekend's filming? Well that won't be revealed until the series is aired in about six months' time.

Three of the regular BBC television shows were filmed over the weekend, featuring 12 competitors who came from across the country.

The crew also filmed a special episode to be used as part of the Children in Need programmes that will be seen in November.

This year the programme decided against celebrities, instead asking people who had been helped by the charity to put forward teams.

For the local competitors Bargain Hunt was a chance to put their antiques and collectables knowledge to the test.

It was not far to travel for Betty Jones, 79, from Llansantffraid, and Issady Hafner, from Llanfechain.

The two, both members of the WI, were helped by antiques expert Kate Bliss.

"We decided to look for quirky items," Mrs Hafner said.

"It was difficult chosing but we went for an art deco item."

Mrs Jones said they had had to do some bargaining with the stallholders.

"We had to leave some items were they where because the prices were too high. But we are thoroughly enjoying ourselves and have been very well looked after."

More that half a century younger were their opponents, Adam, 23, and Kevin, 25, Didlick from Ludlow.

They said their father began their interest in antiques.

"I suppose we are more interested in collectables than traditional antiques," Adam said.

"I am also a real hoarder. I keep boxes for everything I have, I even have to put boxes in boxes."

Their expert was Christina Trevanion, from Whitchurch, who said it was lovely to be on home turf.

"I am used to travelling up and down the country as part of filming for Bargain Hunt. Being so close to home is so nice, it means I get to spend more time with my children."

"This is a really good antiques fair and it has been great to see so many familiar faces from the antiques world. It does show that you don't have to travel long distances and that you can find bargains and wonderful items on your doorstep."

Both Kate and Christina said Saturday morning had not been kind to filming with heavy rain and thunderstorms but that Sunday's weather was better.

"My top tip though is that bad weather can be good for bargain hunting," Christina said.

"Get out in the rain, with your brolly and beat all those who are staying away to the bargains."

Series producer, Julie Foot, said that the items bought at the fair would be auctions in the near future and that the programmes would be aired over the next few months.

"We decided to pit our WI. ladies again the two young men and they are really enjoying the challenge."