Letters and first editions by Beatrix Potter, original drawings by Wainwright and paintings by Sheila Fell are among the star lots being sold by Hunter Davies.

The author is putting the items under the hammer at an antiques and fine art auction in Cockermouth next week.

Mr Davies recently sold his Loweswater home following the death of his wife, the author Margaret Forster.

There are several paintings by Aspatria artist Sheila Fell, including Allonby, valued at £15,000 to £20,000.

The collection also features correspondence and first editions by Beatrix Potter. This includes several letters dating from the 1930s from HB Heelis of Hilltop Farm and Castle Cottage in Sawrey sent to Mr JN Robinson.

The letters relate to the Loweswater and Brackenthwaite Agricultural Society shows held in 1935 and 1938, when Mrs Heelis entered sheep and gave prizes. It is expected to make between £2,500 and £3,500.

Among the many Beatrix Potter first editions for sale are The Tale of Mrs Tiggy Winkle from 1905 valued at £350 to £500, and The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies from 1909, valued at £250 to £350.

Original drawings and character sketches by Alfred Wainwright, collected by Hunter Davies when he was researching the guidebook author's biography, are also due to go under the hammer.

They include a unique collection of 30 sketches on small scraps of paper, which feature self-portraits and portraits of his friends and colleagues which poke fun and mock his superiors. It is expected to make between £400 and £600.

Also up for auction is an original, signed pen and ink drawing by Wainwright The Great Frost of 1895, Kendal, valued at £300 to £500.

Other highlights in the sale include a maritime painting by the celebrated Whitehaven-born artist Robert Salmon.

Some of his US paintings have sold for more than £280,000, but The Frigate William Fell off Greenock, dated 1814, was painted before he emigrated to America in the early part of his career and has been given a conservative estimate of £5,000 to £8,000.

The two-day sale will also feature a selection of ceramics and glassware, jewellery and watches, silver and metalware, objects of art and collector's items, textiles, paintings, drawings and prints, table boxes and mirrors, clocks and barometers as well as a wide range of fine antique furniture.

Lots can be viewed at the saleroom from Sunday from 11am to 3pm, Monday and Tuesday from 10am to 5pm and Wednesday from 10am to 7pm.