Personal memorabilia showcasing the unique wit of iconic Suffolk artist Carl Giles is to go on sale early in the New Year.

Included are original cartoons from his days working for Reynold’s News in the 1930s and 40s, as well as letters and postcards to his wife Joan.

For the past two years, Martlesham auctioneers Lockdales have sold Giles’ historic pieces to admirers all over the world, as the demand for the cartoonist’s work continues to grow.

In October, an auction of 33 lots of Giles’ cartoons and other memorabilia were sold for £15,250.

However, the latest batch is extra special as it has been put up for sale by family and friends.

Oliver Miller, Lockdales director of fine art and antiques, said: “We’ve had some remarkable Giles sales in the past, and this may well top the lot.

“Giles mixed political humour with all sorts of other qualities, and the messages to his wife shows another side of the man.”

The cartoonist died in 1995, aged 78.

He lived in Tuddenham, near Ipswich, and a statue in his honour stands in the town centre near his former office at Giles Circus at the junction of Princes Street and Queen Street.

Another lot in the auction is a British Racing Drivers’ Club car mascot with a Giles signature etched into it.

Mr Miller added: “The letters and telegrams sent to his wife were addressed to ‘Dear Mummy,’ and there were little sketches on some of them.

“Personal items from the great cartoonist have been tucked away for a long time.

“Now they are out in the public domain, and we’ve already had a great deal of interest ahead of the February 13 sale.”

The Islington-born Giles began his national newspaper art career with the Young Ernie cartoon strip that appeared in Reynold’s News from 1937.

He went on to work for the Daily and Sunday Express, where his work appeared each morning.

Giles was voted Britain’s favourite cartoonist of the last century.