Local Churchill artefact in auction

HMS Kelvin was scrapped in 1949

A brass tread-plate used by Winston Churchill to view thr D-Day landings is gong to auction next week after being found in a Scunthorpe garden.

The plaque is from the World War II destroyer HMS Kelvin.

The ship was used by Prime Minister Winston Churchill to view the D-Day landings in June 1944.

It was discovered in a Scunthorpe garden where it was being used as a stepping stone in a flowerbed.

The plate was bought by the seller's grandfather a number of years ago along with other items from the Kelvin.

The auctioneer, Charles Miller, said although the find was unusual, it is part of Britain's rich naval heritage:

"I am always delighted when they turn up, but this country has a huge amount of history. I've been in this job now for 15 years, or so, and I am always surprised at what turns up. But the fact is that these things do sit in draws and, apparently, in flower-beds now."

The plate measure 30cm x 71cm and has the name of the ship cast on one side.

On the reverse in an inscription about Churchill's voyage to view the Allied assault on the beaches of northern France.

A tread-plate is like a metal doormat mounted on the deck of a ship at the gangway.

The plate will be auctioned next week and is expected to fetch between £1,200 to £1,800.