AS the clock ticks down to the auction of Poole Pottery's museum and archive collection a call is being made for all those interested in saving the items for Poole to meet on Wednesday evening.

It is hoped a plan of action can be hatched to co-ordinate the bids for the 290 lots that will go under the hammer at Christie's in London on March 31.

The treasures are expected to fetch at least £180,000 - raising money for creditors left out of pocket when Poole Pottery was placed in administration last summer.

The company has since been rescued by new owners, but the fate of the museum collection - which was not included in the sale to the new owners - hangs in the balance.

On Wednesday night at 7pm residents will gather at the Civic Centre to decide how they can work together to secure as many of the pieces for the town.

By pulling together it may be possible to ensure the majority, if not all, of the pottery items are kept in the hands of Poole people, making it easier for exhibitions to be organised.

Poole council may bid for a few items but does not have the funds to rescue the entire collection.

Policy director Alan Barlow said: "A lot of people have rung the council expressing concern about the pottery items being lost to the town."

Poole collector Roger Hartley believes local companies could get involved by helping to secure pieces. He said: "This meeting is a call to people who have expressed an interest and want to know what they can do."