AN auction house is inviting people to take guns, fishing equipment or military items to an antiques fair later this month.

Holt's auction house will be holding the fair at Lumley Castle, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, on Tuesday, January 14.

The firm, which regularly holds such events around the country, believes many people in the region may have undiscovered treasures in their possession. In recent auctions in the North, a hammer gun by Newcastle gunsmith J Burnard sold for more than £3,000 while a fishing reel by Hardy of Alnwick, Northumberland, went for £1,800.

The auction also brings the firearms under proper security and licensing.

Bill Sidgewick, of Holt's, said: "Periodically, people find an old shotgun or pistol in the attic. It probably belonged to grandfather or great-grandfather and is not on anyone's licence.

"These firearms can be taken to the local police station and handed in for destruction, throwing away serious money. Once a weapon has been given to the police, it has to be broken up. There is another option, turn it into cash."

Anyone wanting to have a piece valued can call Holt's on (01670) 787572.