A TREASURE trove of unwanted jewellery is coming up for auction at Cottees in Wareham to help a Dorset cancer charity.

Over 100 lots of jewellery are going under the hammer on Tuesday, August 30, with all the funds raised going to the Joseph Weld and Trimar Trust and Cancer Care Dorset Trust.

All the items were donated by members of the public after the charity held a jewellery collection appealing for people to look around their homes for any jewellery they no longer wanted.

Among the items coming up for sale is an art nouveau pendant designed by Charles Horner, a silversmith and designer who worked for Liberty's in London. There is also a rare signed Norwegian pendant and numerous diamond rings and bracelets.

Auctioneer John Condie said: "A friend of mine who helps the hospice suggested we do this and we are happy to help."

The charity provides palliative care at its hospice in Dorchester and specialist nurses who do home visits. Fund-raisers have to reach a target of £1.5million this year.

Fund-raising manager Mrs Sue Leighton said: "A lot of the jewellery was donated anonymously and we were absolutely overwhelmed with the response. We have no idea what the response to the auction will be, we have not held one in that area before, we are just keeping our fingers crossed. We have had tremendous support from the public."

Find more information about the charity by clicking here

First published: August 25, 2005