CHILDHOOD memories could make two former Ramsey St Mary s brothers thousands of pounds better off. With an imminent move to a smaller home, their parents asked the unnamed brothers to clear their loft. That was when the memories came flooding back in the

CHILDHOOD memories could make two former Ramsey St Mary's brothers thousands of pounds better off.

With an imminent move to a smaller home, their parents asked the unnamed brothers to clear their loft.

That was when the memories came flooding back in the shape of 227 die-cast toy cars - some of them in their original boxes.

After turning down an expression of interest from toymaker Mattel, manufacturers of Barbie dolls, Fisher-Price toys and now owner of the Matchbox brand, the elder of the two brothers contacted Ramsey Auctions.

The auctioneers' Tony Prior told The Hunts Post: "He wanted the toys to be seen by more people than would have been the case if Matchbox had bought them. So he has asked us to sell them for him.

"I think he and his younger brother had forgotten all about them."

Although most of the models are Matchbox vehicles - cars, lorries, buses, trailers, tractors and other farm implements and even a hovercraft - the collection also includes Corgi, Tonka and Dinky vehicles and, of course, a garage.

"I'm expecting them to raise thousands of pounds when we auction them on Saturday, September 9," Mr Prior said.

"I'll sort most of them into lots, but the larger items and boxed models will be sold separately. Some of them are in mint condition and will fetch quite a substantial sum of money.

"I recently sold a small box of five or six toys for £160, so that's an indication of the interest."

Collectors and bargain-hunters will be able to download a catalogue from the auction house's website tomorrow (Thursday, September 7), and view them on the day before the sale.

INFORMATION: Ramsey Auctions, Units 9 and 10, Northern Mill, Field Road, Ramsey, telephone 01487 710104.

Website: www.auctions.freeserve.co.uk. Viewing Friday, September 8, midday to 7pm. Sale Saturday, September 9 from 10am.