A UNIQUE collection of rare postcards, featuring snapshots of Dorset's rich history, are set for auction.

The compilation, including images of elephants on Poole High Street and of workers inside the Royal Navy Cordite Factory at Holton Heath, will go under the hammer at Duke's Auctioneers in March.

Phillip Trazes, of Duke's, explained: "In the 'gossip' section of the postcards we have an astonishing scene from the 1908 Liberal Rally in the Canford area of Poole.

"Winston Churchill was the speaker, and the issue of the female vote came up. The crowd turned upon two local girls unrelated with the incident, and after speaking out in defence of the girls two struggling suffragettes are shown being arrested."

The collection is contained within five albums, dating from 1900, and details life in the south west, particularly the Bournemouth, Poole and Wareham areas.

These cards have been collected by a local resident who wishes to remain anonymous.

Phillip said: "Included in the album are some rarely seen examples of local postcards and exciting local scenes which have been preserved for future generations.

"Rows of elephants parading down Poole High Street outside the White Hart and The Globe inns in 1905, when the circus came to town is a striking image of its time, likely never to be seen again.

"Contemporary scenes of Wareham town and its new businesses are shown."

The collection will be sold as part of Duke's Avenue specialist Toys and Collectables sale scheduled for Tuesday, March 21.

Duke's will be offering a free valuation morning for toys and collectables on Tuesday, January 24.

Alternatively, specialists are happy to provide house visits for large items or collection in the Bournemouth and Poole area.

Email enquiries@dukes-auctions.com or call 01305 265 080 for further details.