The High Street business was doomed to close when owner Gorringes announced it was leaving the town to focus company efforts on an 18-month refurbishment of its Lewes headquarters.

But Worthing-born Paul Campbell, 43, an associate director at Gorringes, decided he would leave the company to take control of the gavel himself to help keep the auction trade alive in the town.

"I want Worthing to have an auction business," said Mr Campbell.

"I used to love it when I was younger.

"It was always a place to go. It's a good feature for Worthing, a good service."

Mr Campbell has added his own name to his CV which includes Sotheby's and Gorringes. having worked for 27 years in the auction business.

Campbell's will continue where Gorringes left off, with only minor changes needed to what he describes as a "very well-run" business.

"I've got one or two ideas to change things a little," said Mr Campbell.

"But because it's been a successful and well-run operation, there's very little for me to alter.

"It's little tweaks as opposed to anything else."

Mr Campbell admitted to looking forward to the challenge but said he was looking ahead "with some anxiety".

He said: "Obviously, it's a big step for me. It's like looking up a mountain at the moment and you've now got to climb it."