A locket given by the band leader on The Titanic to his fiancée is being auctioned off on Saturday, with an estimated value of up to £20,000.

The locket, which was given to Wallace Hartley's fiancée Maria Robinson is up for auction with Henry Aldridge and Son - a world leading auctioneer in Titanic material.

Wallace Hartley, from Colne, died in the 1912 tragedy. He was the leader of the ship's band and is infamous for leading the group to play on while it was sinking after striking an iceberg.

When he was was found later dead in the water, he had his violin in its case with him - a gift from his fiancée Maria.

It is believed by the family that the piece of jewellery was an engagement or birthday gift from Wallace to his fiancee and was retained by Maria after Wallace's tragic death on the infamous ship until it was passed down.

A spokesperson for Henry Aldridge said: "It's an exceptional piece of memorabilia.

"It's a fantastic object which comes directly from Maria Robinson's family.

"The violin was given by Maria to Wallace and here we have the object that was given by Wallace to Maria so it's a full circle."

The same auctioneer, based in Wiltshire, sold Hartley's violin in October 2013 for a world record £900,000 which had an engraved plate 'For Wallace on the occasion of our engagement from Maria'.

The auctioneers describe it as a unique yellow metal locket which is engraved with intertwined initials 'M R' and contains a stunning photograph of Wallace.

The locket was given to Maria's niece, the vendor's mother, upon Maria's death in 1939.

The locket has remained in the family since and its sale will be accompanied by a letter of provenance from Maria's great nephew.

If you would like to view the item, visit the auctioneers website and view lot 241 for Saturday, April 17.