CHECK your attic and you could find some hidden gems - and raise a lot of money for a great cause.

Busby Auction House, Bridport, is holding a special auction to support Weldmar Hospicecare, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Hugo Busby’s father in-law was one of the founding members of the charity, and one of the first patients to use Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester. Hugo and his colleagues at Busby Auctions wanted to mark the anniversary year by holding a fundraising event in aid of the hospice.

The Great Attic Clear Out auction will see people sell treasures found in their attics, or during their winter clear out, with their sellers commission being donated to the charity by Busby.

The auction house asks people who are thinking of having a clear out and putting their items up for auction to consider putting them into The Great Attic Clear Out to help them raise money for Weldmar.

Mr Busby said: “Putting your items up for auction in this special sale will help raise money for Weldmar at no cost to the seller. They will receive the sale price minus the commission as is the case with all of our sales. The difference with this sale is that the commission will be paid to the charity instead of Busby Auction House. What a great reason to have a clear out now.”

Items which do well at auctions include railway sets and vintage toys, pictures and prints, vintage luggage and clothing, fine china and glassware, sporting items and fishing tackle, cameras, stamp albums, small items of furniture, silver and jewellery, vinyl records and HiFi.

Weldmar’s Fiona Hansford said: “A huge ‘thank you’ to Busby’s for choosing to support us with this wonderful event. Their support will enable us to continue providing care to patients and their loved ones here in Dorset throughout the community and at our inpatient unit. We rely heavily on support from the local community so we can continue to add life to patients last days when they need us most.” She added: “We urge everyone who is thinking of having a clear out, to get involved with this event. Selling your items to make money for yourself, while helping a fantastic local cause – it really is a win-win.”

The Great Attic Clear Out will take place on Thursday, April 4.

If you are having a clear out and would like to sell your items in this auction, contact Busby Auction House on 01308 420 100 or email info@busby.co.uk