A TREASURE trove of Native American memorabilia belonging to a Furness woman has been sold for 44,000 US dollars, around £28,000.

The collection, owned by Irene Thompson, of Askam-in-Furness, featured on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow from Ulverston’s Coronation Hall two years ago.

Following the programme, a collector from America contacted Mrs Thompson and has now bought the historic artefacts.

The money raised ensures Mrs Thompson can honour the dying wish of her friend Charlie Clayton.

He amassed the impressive array of paraphenalia, including original headdresses, jackets and a saddle.

She inherited his collection when he died in 2005, aged 78.

Mr Clayton’s fascination with all things Native American had taken him to a reservation in Sioux County, North Dakota, where he was given the tribe name ‘Grass’ by a Sioux chief.

Before he died, he asked Mrs Thompson to use the collection to take care of his beloved horse, Sunshine.

“Since the broadcast, I had a lot of interest from collectors and museums who wanted to take the items for free,” she said.

“But Charlie left me the collection so I could raise money to take care of Sunshine, so I was determined to get the best price I could.

“I was very pleased with the amount of money it gained.

“With the money, I am going to make some improvements to Sunshine’s stable, get a new roof as it is leaking, and maybe refurbish the yard.”

Mr Clayton, a talented artist, was fascinated with native Americans from childhood.

“He was born at the wrong time,” said Mrs Thompson.

“He should have been born hundreds of years earlier and lived out there.”