STYLE guru Laurence Llewelyn- Bowen arrived in Liverpool to film his new ITV1 show Auction Party.

He invited leading Liverpool antiques dealer Wayne Colquhoun to act as the show’s secret bidder to help boost local charities raising money for their causes.

It was recorded in Liverpool Town Hall’s exquisite Georgian Ballroom as part of a 10-part series to be shown in late March.

Representatives of charities had to bid for donated items and pit their wits against Mr Colquhoun’s sealed bids.

Celebrities attending included Esther McVey, Wirral West MP, bidding for St John’s Hospice, Bebbington and Upton.

The many diverse lots included a Gwen Stefani designer dress, an 1890s gilded Venetian glass bon-bon holder, Superlambanana models and signed photo of Julian Lennon.

“This show is completely different from the ‘more old stuff to make money from’ programmes,” said Mr Llewelyn-Bowen, who came to fame as a designer on BBC’s Changing Rooms in 1996.

“It’s not about market value and it’s a step forward from people making money for themselves.

“Instead it’s all about making money for local charities and celebrating the great British obsession about helping other people. Last night we raised £7,000 in Alderley Edge.

“We have our secret bidder and another hidden aspect is the participants don’t know which charities they are supporting.”

The idea was devised by Mel Butler, who created the international television phenomenon Come Dine With Me.

Mr Llewelyn-Bowen, whose parents come from South Wales, helped organise Cardiff’s European Capital of Culture 2008 bid, ultimately won by Liverpool.