A LARGE selection of beer labels, some dating back to before the First World War, will go on auction in May.

Put together by an avid collector over a period of 40 years, it contains examples of labels from breweries all over the UK, including some which are no longer in existence today.

Of interest to Kent collectors are several lots comprising labels produced for well-known breweries in the county.

These include a 1911 label for Reid’s Invalid Stout brewed by Watney, Combe Reid & Co; a pre-1912 label for Chas. Arkcoll & Co's Oatmeal Stout in Chatham and an 1890 example of Fremlin's English Light Bitter Ale brewed in Maidstone.

"With the disappearance of so many local and family breweries, there is a real interest in these increasingly rare labels from enthusiasts wishing to collect a small piece of local history," said a spokesman for Vennett-Smith Auctioneers which will be auctioning the collection in Nottingham on May 15 and 16.

The auction will be held at Colwick Racecourse and further details may be obtained from Vennett-Smith Auctioneers on 0115 9830541.