A RARE collection of newspapers and memorabilia chronicling the history of Cumbria and the Lake District has raised thousands of pounds at auction.

As well as featuring historic maps, valuable books, postcards and ephemera, the collection, contained hundreds of issues of The Westmorland Gazette, dating back to its inception in 1818.

Paul Hughes, of Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, said The Westmorland Gazette collection, which was sold for £500, was the heaviest lot he had encountered at a book sale.

“I have never come across a such a large collection,” he said. “We often feature newspapers relating to specific events within an area but we have never had a complete set before.”

The collection belonged to the late Geoffrey Thompson, a Kendalian with a passion for local history, who is remembered fondly by fellow historians.

“He had the most wonderful selection of Kendal memorabilia,” said Arthur Nicholls, historian and vice chairman of Kendal Civic Society. “When he was alive he was very helpful to us, often letting us look through his records. The collection filled the top floor of his house and we used to worry it would fall though the ceiling.”

The sale also included a number of other local newspapers, as well as a scarce 1818 handbill attacking the politics of the Kendal Chronicle, which fetched £340.

Mr Hughes said the majority of items exceeded their pre-sale estimates, adding: “It was a really strong sale and the auction centre was packed.”