A COLLECTION of model vehicles belonging to the late Claude Cockwill of Okehampton will be auctioned on May 21 to raise money for the football club which he founded.
Football and his collection of more than 300 die-cast models were the two loves of Claude's life and he requested that on his death his collection be passed to Okehampton Argyle Football Club.
The football fan, who showed more than 70 years' dedication to the club, died in November last year at the age of 91.
The 79 lots go under the hammer at the Stannary Auction Gallery in Tavistock on May 21 but can be viewed from May 18. All the models, collected between 1970 and 1990, are boxed and in their original mint condition and include many classic cars by Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox, Burago and Lledo.
Auctioneer Robin Fenner said the most important models were the 'Franklin Mints' produced in limited edition, primarily in 1:24 scale, which were expected to fetch between £20 and £70 per lot.
'Some of the highlights are a 1927 Rolls Royce Phantom One and a Cabriolet de Ville and a model 'T' Ford police van of the Franklin Centre Police Control which is absolutely stunning,' said Mr Fenner.
'There are Bentleys and Mercedes Benz and other really classic cars all designed from the 1930s/1940s period.'
Okehampton Argyle Football Club committee member Peter Carter, who has been involved in sorting out the collection, said this gesture was typical of the generosity of Claude.
'Claude always said he would bequeath his collection to the club and it was such a wonderful thing to do,' he said. 'He was a lovely man and was always so generous to the club from buying equipment to sponsoring trophies.'
Mr Carter said the former Okehampton Argyle goalkeeper used to display his models all around his lounge and it was quite an impressive site.
Claude Cockwill was one of the founder member of the club back in the 1920s which now boasts three senior sides and eight youth sides. He was proud to be part of the team that in 1931/32 never lost a match, taking both the West Devon League Shield and Starter Cup.
A stalwart supporter of the club, up until two weeks before his death Claude was regularly seen cheering his team on at the sidelines during home matches.