THERE’S a chance to take home an iconic part of Bude’s coastal heritage when 28 old wooden beach huts go under the hammer at Kivells’ Holsworthy auction centre this weekend.

The huts have been removed from Summerleaze beach and replaced by new huts as part of Cornwall Council’s programme to enhance the coastal assets at Crooklets and Summerleaze beaches.

Up to 225 new or refurbished beach huts will be provided on the two beaches by mid-July 2016.

The old huts that are being auctioned on Saturday, April 2, vary in size, but most are approximately eight feet by six feet.

Nigel Pearce, one of two Cornwall Councillors for Bude, said: “We know how popular the huts are with locals and visitors alike. This is a great opportunity for people with happy memories of the huts to take a little bit of Bude’s history home.

“The huts could be used as summerhouses or garden sheds and would provide a lasting reminder of summer holidays spent in Bude.”

David Parsons, who chairs the Bude Coastal Assets Group and is Bude’s other Cornwall Councillor, said: “We’re excited about the new huts that have recently been installed and there’s already a waiting list for people who want to hire them. But we’re also keen to see the old huts recycled and given a new lease on life. The auction will mean the old huts go to new homes where they will continue to be loved and used.”

James Morrish of Kivells said: “It is a great pleasure to sell these huts on behalf of Cornwall Council. I’m sure lots of memories of happy days at Bude will stay with the huts and the potential uses for them are plentiful.

“They will be sold ‘Unreserved’ and to the highest bidder on Saturday, April 2, at Holsworthy Livestock Centre with the sale of over 3,000 lots getting under way at 10am. Viewing can be arranged by contacting Kivells on 01409 253275 or visit www.kivells.com.”