AN ANTIQUE store in Basingstoke transformed itself into a studio on Thursday as a BBC film crew dropped by for a visit.

The Squirrels, a shop that celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, hosted the BBC crew for a second time in five years. 

They were filming Antiques Road Trip show with presenters Natasha Raskin Sharp and Dom Littlewood spending an afternoon in the shop.

The episode featuring The Squirrels is expected to be aired in November this year.

Alan Stone, who runs the business that was also named the Gazette Retailer of the Year last year, said it’s always fun and useful to take the store to a wider audience.

READ MORE: Antique shop voted Gazette Retailer of the Year

“It takes antiques out of the bracket of an older person's collectible and brings it into the lounges of everybody again,” Alan said.

Basingstoke Gazette:

“Because collecting antiques seems to be a thing of the past when it really isn't. There's a thriving small market out there and the more people getting involved with the beauty of the historical items that are sold, the better it is for the ongoing business.”

Alan added that Basingstoke used to have six antique shops, but now it’s just his store.

He said it’s hard work and tenacity that keeps him going though.

“The passion, not just mine, but my staff’s,” Alan said.

“My staff members are very keen on the subject and we don't run the shop as a business. We run it more like a social club. Where we are always talking, explaining, lending, identifying antiques and collectibles as a part of our service. We do free valuation work, free identification work, and give free opinions on things.

“We have a huge collection of Basingstoke memorabilia, which we don't sell, but we lend it to the Basingstoke Milestones. We're more of a community assets than a business.”

Alan also joked that the BBC crew dropping in was a good excuse for him to tidy up the store.

“We did this show about five years ago. So they had my details on file. They are professionals and do a fantastic job,” he said.

SEE ALSO: Damning Ofsted report finds Coppice Spring Academy is 'inadequate'

The Squirrels also had something special for the BBC crew to film and buy for the episode.

Alan added: “We always make sure we've got something special for them. I won't tell you and I'm not allowed to tell you what they bought. You can watch it when they air it in November.”

Basingstoke Gazette:

A message from the editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support.

Subscribing means you have unrestricted access to the latest news and reader rewards - all with an advertising-light website.

Don't take my word for it – subscribe here to see for yourself.

Looking to advertise an event? Then check out our free events guide.

Want to keep up with the latest news and join in the debate? You can find and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.