A SPECIAL auction will be held in memory of popular Richard Cole who died in Amsterdam earlier this year.

Mr Cole's mother, Debbie Thornhill, has decided to sell his lifetime collection of antiques at the sale on Wednesday, November 9, at Stroud Auction Rooms.

Lyn Bowkett, co-owner at Stroud Auction Rooms where Mr Cole worked for five years, said: "It is a sad time for us because the staff were very close to Richard and going through his things reminds us of him.

"He was very talented at what he did and a valued and respected colleague."

Mr Cole, 30, from Cam, worked as a specialist valuer and expert in Asian art and had started his collection from the age of 18.

He was self-taught and recognised internationally for his expertise.

His collection which will go on sale as part of a two day auction on November 9 and 10 includes more than 200 lots.

Mr Cole's body was found in a canal in Amsterdam a week after he was reported missing in January.

The circumstances of his death are still being investigated.

Tributes poured in to popular Mr Cole after the death, who was well-known across the area.

Paying tribute at his funeral, Mr Cole's brother, Lee Thornhill, said: "Rich was just incredible. His motto was ‘work to live not live to work’.

"After breaking his leg in a motorbike crash Richard had to give up plastering and went to focus on antiques starting a job at Stroud Auctions.

“Rich loved working at the auctions, he was very friendly and would make friends with everyone whoever they were."