A PART of medieval Southampton heritage is available to own when it goes under the hammer at a charity auction.

A model of the Medieval Merchant's House, where prosperous wine merchant John Fortin and his family lived over 700 years ago, has been donated to the Rose Road Association for its forthcoming charity auction tomorrow by model maker Frank Sargent.

The model, which is a 1/12th scale of the French Street house, has a front which comes off and it comes complete with scale pieces of furniture inside.

Mr Sargent, 72, who spent three months making it in 2000, said: "It's not a conventional dolls' house. It's a historical piece. I am mad on Tudor history and buildings, and I have made about 20 model Tudor buildings and pubs over the years.

"I decided to donate this one to Rose Road because I read how the charity was looking for big collectible items for its auction and this Medieval Merchant's House is big and collectible."

The charity auction will take place in the main hall of the charity's Bradbury Centre in Aldermoor Road at 7pm with viewing from 3pm. Local auctioneer Michael Baker will be conducting the auction and refreshments will be available throughout the evening. For more information call 023 8072 1234.