A silverware collection owned by a regional press proprietor is set to raise a six-figure sum at auction.

The collection, which belonged to Sir Ray Tindle, is expected to go for more than £100,000 when it goes under the hammer next month.

The collection features a number of pieces from the 18th century and earlier, as well as gifts from the local newspaper staff around the country.

Sir Ray, who ran Tindle Newspapers, died in April this year aged 95.

Some of the items due to go under the hammer

His son Owen told the Bordon Herald: “My father was an avid collector of antique silverware. Initially as a hobby, a distraction from the stresses and strains of running his huge newspaper empire, the hobby soon developed into a passion for seeking out rare pieces, quickly learning to recognise hallmarks and identify the craftsmen.

“Over some 35 years he would visit every antique shop that he could whilst travelling around the UK visiting his newspaper offices.

“Several of the pieces in his collection were gifts from the local newspaper staff around the country. Whenever he was on a business trip, he would make a point of making a detour to the local antique shop to see what pieces they might have to augment his collection.

“When he was at his holiday home in Brighton, he was very often the first visitor to the 8am Saturday morning market, keen to bargain the unwary stallholders down on the price of a set of spoons or a pretty ladle.”

The lot will be sold by Ewbanks Auctioneers, which is based near Woking, on 8 December.

Ewbanks Auctioneers chairman Chris Ewbank said: “Sir Ray had a fine eye for quality that matched his head for business and passion for the newspaper industry, especially as it served local communities.

“I have rarely seen so many early silver spoons together. Many are from the 18th century, but some are even earlier.”