An antique ship's stern board which was almost cut up and turned into a table could sell for more than £1,000.

Made to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 1856 Gravesend & Milton Regatta, the board ended up sitting for years in a Gravesend loft until it was found a few years ago.

Having become blackened over the decades, the piece of wood appeared to be of little value and the man who found it, who happened to be a carpenter, decided to turn it into a table.

Maritime auctioneers Charles Miller Ltd say the man - who does no wish to be named - was planning to take an industrial sander to the board when he saw a glint of gold paint so started to chip away at the top layer.

After much careful work the artwork beneath was revealed and the stern board now​ carries an estimate of £800 to £1,200.

​It will now go up for sale in Charles Miller Ltd's auction of Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments and Art which is taking place on Tuesday, July 7.

Due to the current coronavirus restrictions, the sale will be held live online via UK Auctioneers.com, The saleroom.com and Invaluable.com with viewing by appointment only.

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