GOING, going, gone — the auctioneer's cry will be heard at an auction of twelve fine dollhouses to raise funds for Children's Hospice South West and Great Ormond Street Hospital at Okehampton Auctioneers on May 18.

The consignment of collectors' dollhouses have generously been given up for auction by a lady in North Cornwall who wishes to remain anonymous. Auctioneers are hoping the sale will raise a great deal for the two charities in the difficult financial climate.

Each dollhouse is complete with extensive contents and each is designed to tell its own story. One of the most impressive is 'Jessica Rose', a dollhouse in the style of a high class milliners and dressmaker's shop of the Victorian era. In keeping with the recent wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, inside the dollhouse a bride is getting ready for her own wedding day, while the wedding breakfast is prepared in the kitchen. The dollhouse has a guide price of £450 to £550.

In contrast to the grandeur of a Victorian dressmaker shop is the 'Ball Tree Café', a 1960s style dollhouse with ten figurines and an outside staircase. The guide price is £220 to £280.

There is a wide range of dollhouses among the collection, with guide prices ranging from £100 to £600.

The auction will take place at Okehamption Auctions on Exeter Road at 10am prompt. Viewing on Tuesday May 17 between 2pm and 7pm, and from 8.30am on the morning of the sale. For further information, call Okehampton Auctioneers on 01837 55592.