Andrew Blackall recently flung open the doors of his new antiques store in Corsham, only to have them slammed shut by the region's second lockdown.

However the antique dealer, who runs Chairman Antiques, has found something positive to celebrate this month.

He has won Best Television Pilot 2020 in the sixth Global Independent Film Awards with his pilot Antique Secrets. The pilot was created back in 2012 and released on DVD rather than on TV screens.

Written and directed by Mr Blackall, the short followed Flog It's Paul Martin on a journey round stately homes, show homes and antique shops across the country to meet interesting people with fascinating furniture.

Now that the short pilot has been recognised eight years after its release, there could be a chance of the pilot becoming more.

He said: "It is strange to have something that I worked on so long ago to be credited. It's a test of the great team and work of my close friend Paul on making it such an enjoyable piece of film. The fact it beat newer, more contemporary pilots is quite something.

"Maybe we will revisit Antiques Secrets, and see what else can be done.

""It was amazing to be able to work with such a brilliant team from across Wiltshire, Somerset and Gloustershire."

The short film featured local characters from across the region, such as Bernie Bishop of Bishop Upholstery in Devizes.

Mr Blackall added: "Bernie has sadly died since we filmed Antiques |Secrets, which makes the win all the more poignant. He was a fantastic man."

Mr Martin, who owns the Table Gallery in Corsham, added that Antiques Secrets had been a "real joy" to work on.

He said: "It was a long, long time ago now but it was really great to work on such a great project. Andrew deserves all the credit and recognition for this award."