TREASURED vehicles belonging to an avid collector who died before they could be fully restored go under the hammer at the weekend.

Eric Shaw built up his small fleet during the 20 years he ran Auckland Motor Cycles, at Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

At the same time, he was building up a hoard of spare parts in a shed at his home on the edge of Hamsterley Forest.

Sadly, Mr Shaw died last month at the age of 64 and never had time to fulfil his dream of getting his 1932 Crossley 10 car, a 1943 Morris van and an assortment of motor bikes back on the road.

Instead, his family are offering them for sale so that other enthusiasts can finish his work.

Mr Shaw's daughter, Julie Thexton, said: "He was a great collector. He loved messing about with anything mechanical and was planning to restore them when he got time. It will be very sad to see them go because they are the last part of his collection to go."

Auctioneer Dennis Edkins has had a number of calls in advance of tomorrow's sale. Viewing is at 9am and the sale starts at 11am at Town Head Farm, Hamsterley Village.

The bikes include a 1960 James Captain, a 1962 AJS350 and a 1972 BSA Victor Special. For information, contact G H Edkins and Son at Auckland Auction Rooms on (01388) 603095.