TV PRESENTER and money-saving expert Lorne Spicer has filed for bankruptcy.

The Cash in the Attic host, who lives in Victor Drive, Leigh, advises cash-strapped TV viewers on ways to stretch their budgets.

Rayleigh-born Miss Spicer, a 43-year-old mother-of-one, filed for bankruptcy on December 4.

The bankruptcy order was registered at Southend County Court in her married name, Donovan, giving her Leigh address and date of birth.

She also presents the TV shows Car Booty and Cash in the Attic and is considered an expert of finding ways to help people to deal with straightened financial circumstances In September, she opened a special art gallery in Leigh Broadway for two weeks to sell her choice of antique items as part of a charity challenge for her BBC1 show, Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.

She was competing against a fellow presenter to see who could sell the most items, with the profits going to charity. Her nominated charities were Little Havens Children’s Hospice and West Leigh School’s swimming pool appeal.

The charity sale was financed and publicised with £5,000 of her own money. At the time, she told the Echo: “I really hope this all goes well because it’s my own money at stake.”

The art sale, which was featured in a programme broadcast last October, raised a total of £2,000 which was passed to the charities.

Yesterday Miss Spicer was unavailable for comment and her agent, First Artist Management, said it not wish to comment.

On the court insolvency report, her status is described as “currently bankrupt”.

Her occupations are listed as “business”, “public service professional” and journalist.