A DIARY, a camera and more than 1,000 images taken by a renowned Lakeland life photographer are set to go up for auction.

The photographs, taken by Joseph Hardman, were taken between the 1930s and '60s and depict farming, rural life, sports and Lake District scenes.

Of particular interest are images of ‘sea turfing’ – the sea washed turf produced the finest bowling greens and was in demand all over the country - and cockling at Morecambe Bay.

There is also a series of 21 large black and white photos of the building of the road over Honister Pass - the B5289 - in the north west of the Lake District.

And the 1961 Lett’s Diary, which could sell for as much as £150, contains hand written entries by Joseph Hardman of events, people and places the freelance photographer is likely to have taken photographs of.

It offers a record of an active man in his late 60s, travelling by taxi around the region capturing a rapidly disappearing way of life and recording historical moments.

One example is the entry for June 26 which lists ‘Dolphin stranded at Arnside, Personalities at Arnside and Silverdale, Presentation to Scouts, Buckley speed bid.’

The lot is being sold at 1818 Auctioneers, at J36 at Crooklands, and saleroom manager Bill Nelson said the diary provides a 'unique insight' into the life of a 'perpetually busy and prolific photographer'.

“It demonstrate his huge breadth of interest with entries that include the handing over of the tender at Arnside Fire Station, presentations by the Duke of Edinburgh and a note to take snow pictures at Cartmel Fell," Mr Nelson said. "On many days there are multiple entries as well as evening and early morning appointments. The entry for his birthday says ‘Inter Counties Badminton Competition’ and ‘Children’s party in Burneside’."

A first consignment of images and a suitcase, from a local house, made £4,835 when they were sold by 1818 Auctioneers last December. Amongst those who queued to view the images was a lady who Hardman photographed as a child.

Anyone interested in finding out more can view the catalogue online at www.1818auctioneers.co.uk or visit the saleroom at J36 of the M6, the Rural Auction Centre.

Viewings are on February 2 between 1pm and 4pm, on February 3 between 10am and 2.30pm and also on the morning of the sale from 8.30am.

The sale will start at 10am (on both days) and bids can be made in person or left – further details can be found on the website or by calling 1818 Auctioneers on 015395 66201.