A RENOWNED auctioneers is promising to start the New Year with one of its most intriguing sales.

Tennants of Leyburn has been engaged to sell property from the estates of three families from the Yorkshire area.

"There are over 900 lots - from gigs and horse-drawn carriages, to medals and military memorabilia," said proprietor Rodney Tennant. "Overall, it is perhaps one of the most interesting selections we have ever had - all for sale with no reserve."

A seated figure of a monk reading a bible came from a family in Skipton, where it had been a curiosity occupying a corner of a room. It is expected to fetch between £300 and £400.

"It was passed to us by the son of a lady from Embsay who came back from Africa to sort out his mother's affairs," said Mr Tennant.

"We have no idea of its history but it would make a lovely curio for a bookshop window."

Viewing for the sale will be held between 9.30am and 7pm on Friday, with doors opening for the sale at 8am next Saturday.