BBC Flog It! television presenter Paul Martin is to open a new gallery in Corsham High Street.

He has taken on the triple-fronted premises at 54 High Street formerly occupied by Previous.

The move forms a slight change of tack for the TV presenter, who explained he has “always wanted” to run a family-owned business.

He said: “A family business is something I have always wanted. We are going to put in a family business and just enjoy it.”

Mr Martin, 59, who lives in Seend, is best known for presenting the BBC’s Flog It! antiques programme, Trust Me, I’m a Dealer, and Paul Martin’s Handmade Revolution.

He plans to open the gallery in February, selling contemporary art, sculpture, glassware and items of furniture.

“I will probably spend two to three days a week at the gallery, depending on my TV filming commitments.

“My wife, Charlotte, son Dylan and daughter Meredith will probably help me out.”

But the new gallery doesn’t mean Mr Martin is scaling back on his TV or writing work - far from it.

He’s just about to launch a new book, Paul Martin’s World of Antiques, in time for the Christmas gift market.

The book, published by John Blake Publishing, will retail at £16 and will cover some of the stories and items he has unearthed during the Flog It! TV series.

“I’ve made some 1,400 shows for Flog It! and the book will cover some of the items, the stately homes we have visited, the social history behind some of the antiques, and interviews with some of the antiques experts.”

He’s already written one book, Paul Martin’s Britain, about 15 years ago, and co-wrote a book on the restoration of Avebury for the BBC.

Mr Martin is also working on a new show for the BBC called Make Me a Dealer, as well as a new quiz show which is due for broadcast in January.

He is no stranger to running a retail business, having previously run a business The Table Gallery in Marlborough, selling 17th and 18th century oak furniture.

Mr Martin said: “Corsham is a lovely town and full of heritage. I had the opportunity to take on a shop and decided to open a new gallery.

“I hope to open the gallery, which will be called The Table Gallery, in February next year.

“But I’ve got a lot of work to do before then; the premises look like a building site and will need a complete refit and refurbishment.

“I am only doing the work part-time so it’s going to take a while. I’ve got a lot of work to do to it.”