Dover finally has its very own household auction based at The Hive in Charlton Green.

Couple Gary Iles and Lianne Poynter will be holding their first auction at the old sorting office on Thursday, September 4.

When Mr Iles moved to Dover from Herefordshire, he decided the town needed its own auction rooms.

He said: “I’ve always been around furniture as my dad did it and passed it onto me.”

So far the couple have had a great response and lots of items are already coming in from leather sofas, French tables, and architectural items.

Mr Iles, 58, of London Road, Dover, said: “We’ve had a big response, it’s been unbelievable. I’m going to be doing one evening every other week.”

The office will be open daily for valuations and viewings and auctions will be held on a Friday or Saturday night, which is yet to be confirmed.

The first auction will be held at 10.30am, with viewing from 8am. There will also be the opportunity to see items a couple of days before the auction from 10.30am until 7pm.

He lives with his partner and business partner Lianne who deals with the admin side of things, having previously been a finance manager for a popular tour operator.

Dover Auction Rooms is also working with charity UK Resettlement, which supports vulnerable young people who may be at risk of offending and adult ex-offenders, to offer positive outcomes for their lives.

For details find Dover Auction Rooms on Facebook or visit the website at www.doverauctionrooms.co.uk