A LOCAL businessman expects to raise between £12,000 and £20,000 for the families of New York fire fighters when he auctions off a vintage fire engine.

John Morphet, owner of South Lakeland Caravans, has agreed to sell the 1928 Speedwagon with the proceeds going to the Uniformed Firefighters Association Scholarship Fund.

The money will be used to aid the families of New York fire fighters who died or rushed to help those caught in the terror attacks on the World Trade Centre on September 11.

Originally the Keystone Kops-style engine was part of a Chicago collection used by movie makers and appeared in some early films, although it is not known which ones.

Mr Morphet, whose company manages the White Cross Bay Leisure Park and Marina, on Windermere, acquired Bygone Times International in April, along with its remarkable treasure trove of antiques and collectables.

The business, based in Ecclestone, Lancashire, was a leading worldwide supplier of antiques and memorabilia, and the auction will take place there.

Other lots up for sale at the auction include a magnificent set of wrought iron entrance gates from a mystery Scottish castle; statues of stars including Louis Armstrong, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, Humphrey Bogart and John Wayne; antique bars from a Chicago house of ill repute; a collection of ethnic masks from around the world; and an old-style pharmacy complete with bottles, jars and scales.

Mr Morphet said: "The fire engine was one of the items that came with the business and we thought it appropriate to offer it for sale in honour of the New York firefighters who lost their lives.

The auction will include a diverse range of lots from many different countries and eras.

"We expect it to attract wide interest, not only from specialist collectors but also from interior designers, the world of film and theatre and the public at large."

Edward Burke, chairman of the UFA Scholarship Fund, said: "We are honoured by the support of so many to aid this wonderful cause.

The sale of this classic fire engine is such a unique way to help this cause and at the same time own a piece of fire fighting history."

The three-day sale takes place at Ecclestone between Friday, May 10 and Sunday, May 12, with the fire engine being sold at 2.30pm on Saturday, May 11.

For further information, or for a catalogue, call public relations company Smith Hodgkinson on 0161-233-2900.