A CHURCH is set to sell off its "family silver" in a bid to clear its clutter before major building work starts.

Bolton Methodist Mission, at Victoria Hall, is to hold an auction on Saturday at 11am.

The plan is to clear unwanted bric-a-brac from the Mission's many rooms before the start of the £100 million Central Street scheme.

Phil Glanvill, who is co-ordinating the auction, said: "We have discovered some unique items that go back to the Victorian era.

"There are some valuable and collectors items among the things we will be auctioning."

Interesting pieces of furniture up for auction include a number of bentwood chairs, a hobby horse, a chaise longue, an old roll-top desk, and an Amberg's patent lettered file.

There will be an opportunity to view the items today, between 10am and 4pm. They will also be on show tomorrow, between 9am and 10.30am, before the auction gets underway, at 11am.

The Reverend Phil Mason, minister at Victoria Hall, said: "We needed a good clear out and we have been surprised by what we have found.

"We know we can only sell the family silver' the once, but this will raise much needed funds to ensure we can continue the work of our mission activity and all the projects that we run for those in need within our town."

A new shopping, leisure and luxury apartment development will be built around Victoria Hall as part of the Central Street scheme, which also includes a revamp of the Methodist Mission. The Hall will get a first-floor balcony from which bands will be able to entertain shoppers in a new public square.

For further information contact the Victoria Hall office on 01204 522569.