A WELL-KNOWN Kidderminster shopkeeper is selling off his family's cherished collection of antique radios - to help fund a private hip replacement.

Some of John Russell's collection of radios, dating back to the 1920s, have been snapped up by a collector from The Vintage Technology Centre, a museum near Chester.

Now he hopes to find buyers for the rest of his treasured collection - with the money raised going towards the operation.

Mr Russell, 72, helps his sons Steve and Ian run J and H Russell TV, hi-fi and video retailers, while also holding the honorary title of the town's High Constable.

He says he cannot wait for up to 18 months to have the operation on the NHS.

He had his right hip replaced earlier this year but his other hip is now causing him increasing pain and the waiting time for an operation is 15-18 months.

"It is a shame that I have paid into the NHS all my life but now have to consider going private," said Mr Russell, who is not saying how much his op will cost.

"The pain in my hip is affecting my mobility already so I would rather have it done now than wait."

His radio collection has been in the family for decades, with many dating back to before the Second World War.

Radio's most famous names are featured, including Edison Bell, Philips, Murphy, Marconi, GEC, Ekco and Ferguson.

Mr Russell said he and his sons had researched the collection using the Internet and other sources and as a result contacted the technology centre which has snapped up several radios.

"The collector from the centre came to look and was really pleased with what we had - in fact, he had to arrange to make a second visit because his car was not big enough to take away everything he wanted to buy."

Anyone interested in purchasing the remaining radios can contact Mr Russell by calling the shop on 01562 822686.