Two of Britain’s best-loved celebrities have been shown on TV putting their knowledge of antiques to the test at a large St Albans shop often described as “vintage heaven”.

The fourth series of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip recently featured former Doctor Who actor Bernard Cribbins and entertainer Barry Cryer rummaging through various treasures of yesteryear at Fleetville Vintage Emporium, on Hatfield Road.

The 20-episode series, currently being aired on BBC Two, follows 20 pairs of celebrities including Downton Abbey’s Phyllis Logan, Game of Thrones’ Dame Diana Rigg and Pirates of the Carribean’s Kevin McNally.

Each programme shows two competing celebrities putting their wit and bargaining skills to the test as they set out to find hidden gems before selling them at auction.

Bernard and Barry travelled in style, in classic cars, to Fleetville Vintage Emporium for filming in June.

Over 100 individual entrepreneurs sell various items at three buildings at the site.

Bernard said he enjoyed the road trip, adding, “There’s an awful lot to do; rushing about, looking in shops and finding bits and pieces, nearly covered in dust and history.”

Dee Bellew, a spokeswoman for the emporium, said such celebrity visits helped raise the profile of both the business and St Albans on television.

She added: “Our Facebook ‘likes’ have gone up enormously since the programme aired.

“We had a great time with Bernard and Barry when they were filming here – we went for lunch with them while they were in St Albans. It was great seeing them on TV, as it looked amazing and we are all dead chuffed.”