SIR JOHN MILLS - MILLS' POSSESSIONS UP FOR AUCTION

The family of SIR JOHN MILLS plan to sell off the late screen star's valuable possessions at auction next month (JUN06). The GREAT EXPECTATIONS star died last year (APR05), just months before the death of his playwright wife MARY. The couple had already auctioned off many items when they moved to a smaller property in 2004. But their actress daughters JULIET and HAYLEY, and son JONATHAN are struggling to find space for the remainder of their parents' treasures. RICHARD MADLEY of Dreweatt Neate auctioneers says, "Naturally, the family have taken the things they want for posterity's sake, including many of the more nostalgic pieces. "Juliet has taken a lot of the dining room furniture and Hayley has kept much of Sir John's theatrical memorabilia. "But none of them live over here any more. They have their own homes and just don't need everything." Items include photographs and posters from Mills' movie career, scripts, a pair of shoes from an early stage performance and the actor's favourite 18th century armchair.