Aladdin's cave of York

The haul, which includes York street signs, fonts, chimney pots and cobbles, dates back to Victorian times and was found and stored by the late Lol Ryan, who ran a local demolition business.

Lol's finds were kept by his widow Hilda, after his death in 1984.

But now Hilda and her husband, Graham Hill, are set to move house, and want the collection to go to a good home.

Hilda said: "Lol was very before his time, he salvaged and kept everything. He thought there was a lot of craftsmanship in old things. We got a lot of pleasure out of his things and I'll be very sad to see them go."

Most of the items have whiled away the years in the couple's garden, including Victorian chimney pots, flag stones, mill wheels, sinks, fonts and a church's stone cross.

Among the highlights of the magnificent collection are Victorian cobble stones from Walmgate, and street signs from York streets Walmgate, Bridge Street and Lawrence Street.

A dragon's head from a roman bath in Marygate also holds pride of place in the driveway.

Two foundation stones laid in September 1811, bearing the names James Melrose JP are stood in the couple's garden.

Hilda, 58, and Graham, 61, are very interested to hear from anyone who might remember or be related to the people whose names are etched on the stones.

Victorian stone drinks jars from Sinkinson & Feather Botanical Brewers and York Wine & Spirit Co Ltd, 4 Blake Street, York, are on display in the kitchen, along with butchers' bars.

A splendid cast-iron hoist-wheel, measuring 7ft in radius, is attached to the side of their house.

The couple valued their stock with the help of auctioneers and Miller's Antique Guide.

They say they have halved the recommended prices in the hope of quick sales as their new home will be too small to take the treasures along.

Anyone interested in any of the items can view them before purchase.

Phone 01347 810301.

Updated: 10:42 Saturday, February 15, 2003