They were acquired over many years by the founder of one of Fakenham’s most famous businesses and put on display in a museum.

Eastern Daily Press: A collection of Jack Richards lorries will go up for sale later this month at an auction. Picture: Supplied by Cheffins.A collection of Jack Richards lorries will go up for sale later this month at an auction. Picture: Supplied by Cheffins. (Image: Archant)

But later this month, a collection of 11 Jack Richards vehicles dating from 1946 to 2000 will go up for sale at an auction in Ely.

Collected by Jack Richards himself, with the help of his son Anthony, the compilation was completed in 2010 and was housed in a bespoke building near Fakenham and opened to the public as a museum.

However, with the number of visitors to the museum falling, the family has reluctantly decided put the collection up for sale.

Oliver Godfrey, director at Cheffins, said: “It is with a heavy heart that the family are offering this collection for sale.

Eastern Daily Press: A collection of Jack Richards lorries will go up for sale later this month at an auction. Picture: Supplied by Cheffins.A collection of Jack Richards lorries will go up for sale later this month at an auction. Picture: Supplied by Cheffins. (Image: Archant)

“Following Jack’s sad death in 2014 aged 90, the private museum remained open to visitors and was enjoyed by many. However, in recent years the level of visitors waned and the wonderful collection was no longer being appreciated.

“The family are offering the collection for sale due to continued business expansion and would like to offer others the opportunity to purchase these vehicles and enjoy them as Jack had done.”

One of the highlights of the auction is a 1946 Seddon MK5 diesel lorry which is believed to be the second oldest Seddon in the country. This was fully restored in 2004 and has an estimate of £20,000 - £25,000.

Another of the classic commercials is a 1946 ERF C15 diesel wooden dropside lorry which was restored and recommissioned in 2013 and also has an estimate of £20,000 - £25,000.

Eastern Daily Press: A collection of Jack Richards lorries will go up for sale later this month at an auction. Picture: Supplied by Cheffins.A collection of Jack Richards lorries will go up for sale later this month at an auction. Picture: Supplied by Cheffins. (Image: Archant)

There is also a 2000 diesel tractor unit which was built at the Sun Works in Sandach, Cheshire and sold new to Jack Richards and Son Ltd, where it clocked up 660,000 km in its five years of service.

The first lorry bought by Jack Richards, a 1948 Bedford ‘O’ Type which he acquired in 1956 for £150, is also up for sale.

The lorries will be sold at the Cheffins dedicated saleground near Ely, the same site where Jack Richards had worked in the RAF aged 18.

Eastern Daily Press: Jack Richards, pictured in 2014, with an award presented to him for his service to the Fakenham branch of the Royal British Legion. He was president of the branch. Picture: Matthew Usher.Jack Richards, pictured in 2014, with an award presented to him for his service to the Fakenham branch of the Royal British Legion. He was president of the branch. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © Archant Norfolk 2014)

Jack Richards

Jack Richards came to Fakenham in 1971 with just five vehicles and went on to run a multi-million pound road transport company.

He started his career in transport at the age of 13 when he delivered orders for Home and Colonial, Coalville on a bicycle.

He was a former RAF serviceman who fitted engines for the 75 Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force, at RAF Mepal, near Ely, and opened the museum of vintage British haulage vehicles which have been used by Jack Richards and Son over the years at Fakenham Industrial Estate in 2010.

He was president of the Fakenham Town Band and was also well-known for his support for the Royal British Legion, of which he was a member for 68 years.

The business provides road haulage services around the UK, palletised-load distribution across Europe and the UK as well as localised warehousing and storage.

His son, Anthony, still runs the company as executive chairman.