TWO Oxfam shops are celebrating a big vinyl windfall after rare records were discovered by their staff.

Oxfam Books and Music Lymington are selling two special music items following the find by volunteer Alan Barton.

He discovered Harold McNair's self-titled album and a Beatles rarity that features a collectable mix of Tomorrow Never Knows from Revolver.

Both records have sold for hundreds in the past with Revolver even being listed in the Rare Record Price guide at £500.

These finds were topped by Oxfam Music Southampton's longstanding volunteer Graham Henry, who found the album Pussy Plays by short lived band Pussy, which has long been considered a holy grail for record collectors and was even reissued by Record Collector magazine.

Graham has nearly 40 years of music retail experience and record collecting.

"Within that particular donation there was lots of incredible stuff - some very rare and sought after," Mr Henry said.

"There was early Alex Harvey, Anne Briggs, lots of rare blues, gospel and world too, including a record that claimed to be made by two genuine witch doctors. It was a real privilege and joy to sort and listen to."

Rob Milner, Oxfam Southampton shop manager, said the donations stood out even more given the recent flow of donations the charity had received.

“Aside from some of these very special items donations have actually been very slow of late, particularly for our sister stores in the wider Hampshire area. We are very grateful for any donations and are very happy to collect if potential donors can’t get to a local Oxfam," Mr Milner said.

“Our network of music volunteers in Hampshire shops stretches from Ringwood in the west and Southsea in the east and we have dedicated drivers in each area.

“We’re not appealing for pricey records. We’re appealing for any records. Actually, anything musical or cultural on any format.

"As music lovers we understand the memories attached to some records and everything that goes with that; how tough it would be to give away. However, if there’s any out there gathering dust... we would happily take anything and make the most out of it."