Gandhi artefacts are put on sale at Ludlow Racecourse

Items once belonging to Mahatma Gandhi were due to go under the hammer at Ludlow Racecourse today.

The auction includes a pair of Gandhi's trademark spectacles, his personal prayer book and a container of bloodstained earth taken from the spot where he was assassinated in 1948.

Gandhi was the preeminent leader of Indian nationalism in British-ruled India.

Auctioneers Mullock's say if the 27 lots achieve their maximum guide price the Gandhi items could fetch almost £80,000.

Various letters written in English and Gujarati by Gandhi as well as many photographs of him visiting London at the Cabinet Ministers Conference and Delhi in 1946 will also be put up for auction.

The sale was due to be held this afternoon.