An auctioneer unearthed part of Brighton's civic past when he spring-cleaned a loft.

Robert Inman discovered a dusty envelope as he worked in the Brighton home.

Inside were invitations relating to Brighton mayors dating from to 1875 to the early 20th Century.

Mr Inman, owner of Raymond P Inman Auctioneers in Temple Street, Brighton, said: "They are mostly invitations to inaugural banquets and are quite beautiful.

"Collectors of Brighton memorabilia will be particularly interested in them."

About 50 cards had been packed away together. Mr Inman, who was clearing the house for a firm of solicitors, believes they could have been in the loft for years.

The find included invitations for the mayor to attend a Royal Pavilion dinner hosted by Brighton racecourse in 1895.

The collection, expected to fetch up to £400, will be sold at Mr Inman's auction rooms on April 9.

Other items on offer include Matchbox and Corgi toy cars dating from 1975 and Barbie dolls from the Seventies and Eighties.

Mr Inman said: "Barbies are now quite collectable items and have changed quite a lot over the years. One has hair almost down to her feet."