Sir Nicholas Winton's treasures to be auctioned

Sir Nicholas Winton is regarded as a hero for saving the lives of hundreds of children

Items that once belonged to Kindertransport hero Sir Nicholas Winton, including a 105th birthday message from the Queen, are to be sold at auction.

Sir Nicholas, who died last year aged 106, brought Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia to the UK.

The Winton family are currently in the process of selling his estate, including his house in Maidenhead.

His son, Nick Winton, said it was "difficult" to decide what to let go.

"The reality is, over his life he has accumulated many objects," he added.

"If I won the lottery and had the space there are a lot of things I would love to keep in the family, but it just isn't practical."

Items up for auction include a framed picture of Sir Nicholas meeting then US President Bill Clinton in 1995, and a Napoleon III writing desk made in Paris and bought by Sir Nicholas for his wife, Grete.

The auction is being held at the Swan Auction House in Tetsworth, Oxfordshire on 3 November.

In 1939 Sir Nicholas organised the rescue of 669 Jewish children destined for Nazi concentration camps, arranging for trains to carry them out of German-occupied Prague to the sanctuary of the UK.

The 105th birthday message from the Queen reads: "What a splendid achievement. I send you my warmest congratulations and best wishes for your 105th birthday on the 19th May 2014"

A picture taken after US President Bill Clinton introduced himself to Sir Nicholas in 1995

A Napoleon III writing desk, bought in 1947 by Mr Winton for his wife, Grete