Ming dynasty ceramics and Tang dynasty tomb models are among a multi-million-pound Chinese antiques collection that is set to be broken up and partially sold by Croydon Council to fund refurbishments of Fairfield Halls.

Some 24 items, worth nearly £13m, could go up for auction later this year. 

The council says it cannot afford to maintain the 230-piece collection - bequeathed to the borough by local businessman and collector Raymond Riesco in 1959 - because of escalating insurance and security costs. 

Much of the collection is on display at the Croydon Clocktower, while many of the items have featured in temporary exhibitions at other museums and galleries.

The items up for sale have been moved to a central London location while the council consults with stakeholders, including national organisations and museums, on their sale.

The decision to sell off the items, from a prized collection that spans from Neolithic times to the 19th century, is likely to prove controversial.

But Croydon Council said the proposed sell-off had the backing of the Riesco family, who have stressed the proceeds must be used to support culture in the borough.

Income would be invested in Fairfield Halls, which is already in line for a £27m makeover.

The Halls' Ashcroft Theatre could also be renamed the Riesco Theatre in recognition of the family's contribution to Croydon's cultural life.

Councillor Tim Pollard, cabinet member for children, families and learning, said: "This is a great opportunity to invest significant sums of money in Croydon’s cultural heritage for the long-term benefit of future generations.

"It would also be a fantastic and fitting legacy to the Riesco family, who are supportive of these proposals."

The proposed sale will be considered by the council's corporate services committee on July 24.