A MUSIC-lover who has been collecting guitars for around 25 years is selling off some of his prized instruments.

Durham market trader John Oxley is selling part of his extensive collection, which has been valued at around £15,000.

The collection includes dozens of guitars from all over the world, including a number of limited edition models.

The 66-year-old, from Crook runs the Music Shop in Durham’s indoor market.

He said: “I have loved music all my life, but I realised a lot of the guitars had not been out of their boxes for a number of years and I decided that the time had come to let them go to new owners who will have the time to appreciate them.”

Mr Oxley set up his market stall 15 years ago following the foot and mouth crisis in 2001, which put his livestock haulage company out of business.

He added: “I was able to turn my hobby into a job. I’m 66 now so I could retire but I enjoy doing what I do.

“It’s been good, though it’s been hard since austerity started and people don’t have as much money for luxuries.

“I’ve still got quite a few guitars and I’ve kept all my favourites. I always have a guitar in my living room so I can pick one up whenever I want.”

Many of the guitars were picked up at guitar fairs around the country.

The collection is being sold at auction at Anderson and Garland, in Newcastle, on December 8.

Among the items to go on sale is a Guild limited edition 45th anniversary acoustic guitar, valued at £1,800.

The iconic American brand is played by musicians including Brian May, Duane Eddy and David Byrne.

It is one of 17 American guitars in the collection, which also includes a Newcastle-made instrument, from Byker, valued at £500, and one from the Czech Republic.

Among the items to be sold is Mr Oxley’s first guitar – an electro-acoustic CF Martin and Co.

He got it around 30 years ago and it has now been valued at £1,200.

Martin guitars have been made for more than 175 years and have been used by people like Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton and John Mayer.

The oldest instrument in the collection is a Regal le Domino 1930’s tenor parlour guitar which is valued at £400.

Fred Wyrley-Birch Specialist at Anderson and Garland said “This is an incredible collection, there is something for everyone. Many of these guitars are of the highest quality and are in mint condition.”

The sale will take place at Anderson and Garland’s Newcastle auction rooms from December 6 to 8.