A NEW television programme focusing on the things people like to collect and why is to have an episode filmed at Goonhilly satellite earth station.

The Goonhilly visitors' centre is to close for three days next month during filming for The 20th Century Roadshow - a new BBC programme being hosted by Alan Titchmarsh.

The show, which aims to build on the success of perennial favourite the Antiques Roadshow, will involve experts putting people's contemporary collectibles under the microscope, from film and fashion to toys and travel, pop posters to platform shoes.

Familiar faces from the Antiques Roadshow team will be joined by 20th century experts as they travel across the country to different venues scrutinising precious valuables.

The team will be valuing objects, but will also investigate what it is about these items that people love or loathe, and how different objects have evolved in the last 100 years.

Goonhilly is looking for volunteers to help with the expected crowds.

The earth station's marketing officer, Denise Hill, said: "We're very excited to be hosting an episode of a new BBC programme - The 20th Century Roadshow - on March 15.

"To get the centre ready we have to close for two days to allow for the camera and lighting crews to set up. The third day will be for filming the show itself."

The visitors' centre is open from Tuesday to Sunday until March 12, then daily from March 16.

Anyone interested in helping out during the filming is asked to telephone Denise Hill on 01872 325602 and leave a name and daytime contact number.