CHANGING Rooms star Linda Barker gave visitors to a Southampton show her personal tips on how to transform their homes.

The makeover expert imparted some top property-improving tips when she took part in the Ideal Home Show on the Common.

She also took part in a gardening time questions programme alongside TV presenters, plant pathologist Paul Patton and John Negus, an Oxford University professor and second president of the Royal Horticultural Society.

It was the first time Apple Tree Exhibitors had put on the three-day festival in Southampton.

Despite the grim weather on Saturday, organisers were delighted with the attendance figures.

A spokesman remarked: "We certainly hope to be back next year when, as they say, it will be bigger and better than ever.''