SALAMI and olives are to be auctioned off alongside chest freezers and plant pots as the contents of a Darlington deli go under the hammer today.

The fixtures, fittings and merchandise of Wadesdeli will be sold this morning in an on-site public auction at the Coniscliffe Road premises.

The deli's refrigerated van is also included in the sale.

Lots range from luxury food - such as fois gras, tropical mushrooms and organic chocolate - to stainless steel preparation tables, a fax machine and an electric oven.

The sale will even include the shop's Christmas decorations.

The deli opened last August and closed suddenly about two weeks ago.

Ray Wade opened the business eight weeks after he sold the popular Wade's Coffee House, also in Darlington, which he had owned for 16 years. Mr Wade could not be contacted for comment last night.

The auction includes 326 lots and will take about three hours to complete.

Auctioneer Philip Walker, of Lithgow Sons and Partners, said: "The fixtures on-site are in such good condition and they are what we call in situ, so they can be seen working, and they have been so well-maintained, I think they will be a good buy."

The auction takes place from 11am.