A new year clear-out can often uncover forgotten items.

But don’t be too hasty to throw them out, particularly with old toys, as some can turn out to be worth more than you think.

Cockermouth auctioneers Mitchells held its first specialist toy sale last summer and is planning to hold another soon, with entries already flooding in.

Auctioneer Ewan Duff said: “Many people don’t realise how valuable some of their old childhood toys can be.

“For the July sale, most of the people selling toys were in the process of de-cluttering their houses and stumbled across toys from their childhood. They were grateful for the extra space as well as the prices realised at auction.”

He added: “It’s certainly better to sell vintage toys at auction instead of through a jumble sale or car boot. They reach a much bigger market because of live bidding on the internet.

“In my last sale I sold just over half of the toys on the internet, and had people bidding from the Netherlands to Australia, which led to bigger prices.

“Selling at auction isn’t just great entertainment but also leads to greater prices.”

Entries received so far include a boxed vintage Denys Fisher Dr Who Tardis model, with an estimate of £40 to £60, and a cased model of RMS Titanic with other model boats, estimated at £30 to £50.

Die-cast model vehicles by manufacturers such as Dinky, Corgi and Matchbox are the staple of any toy auction and generally command good prices, particularly if they are in their original boxes.

Model train sets and railway paraphernalia by makers from Hornby to Triang are also popular, especially boxed Hornby train sets and the single boxed Hornby and Hornby Dublo locomotives.

Vintage Action Man, Barbie and Sindy dolls from the 1970s and 1980s – and their outfits and accessories – sold very well in the July sale.

Vintage Meccano sets, model kits such as Airfix, vintage teddy bears and dolls including Ideal and Armand Marseilles are among others to look out for.

The vintage and antique toy sale takes place on Saturday, February 18 and the deadline for entries is Friday, January 20.

Anyone wishing to enter toys for the sale should contact Mr Duff on 01900 827800 or take them to Mitchells’ saleroom for assessment.

An illustrated catalogue will be produced nearer to the time of the sale and can be viewed online either at www.mitchellsantiques.co.uk from two weeks before the sale.

A text catalogue will also available from the saleroom.