DESKED

A MONOCLE worn by the late television astronomer Sir Patrick Moore will go under the hammer alongside several of his globes.

The stargazer, who died aged 89 in 2012, was well-known for squinting through the lens of his monocle while presenting the long-running BBC show The Sky At Night.

Now one of Sir Patrick's monocles, which is attached to a piece of red string, will be auctioned and is expected to gain a price of between £500 and £800.

A number of globes belonging to the star, who lived in Selsey, are also set to sell alongside the monocle at Christie's travel, science and natural history auction in London on October 8.

Tribute events were held in memory of Sir Patrick after he died.

In May a team of West End actors and producers took part in a charity cricket match in honour of the broadcasting legend.

The Thespian Thunderers - made up of actors from shows including The Woman In Black, The 39 Steps and Yes Prime Minister, competed against Selsey Cricket Club for the Sir Patrick Moore Cup.

It followed the debut of the memorial event last year when the Lashings team of cricketing all-stars took on the club.

Sir Patrick made the seaside town his home in 1968 and hosted Selsey Cricket Club committees during his years as club secretary and player before later being granted the role of life vice president.

A Sir Patrick Moore 3D exhibition was in the cricket pavilion, which recreates Sir Patrick’s study at his Farthings home with original items on display.

Meanwhile councillors have been working on a more permanent memory in the town he called home for more than 50 years.

They have ambitions to build a seafront observatory, community space and a restaurant with the unique attraction projecting real-time images of the sun and the moon.

It is hoped the attraction, planned for the Selsey Bill beauty spot, could open within three years and is being funded by donations and grants.