A notebook which saved an Olveston soldier's life when a bullet struck it in his pocket is to be auctioned.

George Dowsell had the lucky escape while serving in the 2nd Devon Regiment during the Third Angle-Burmese war of 1891.

He was fighting in Burma when the stray bullet struck him in the chest.

But luckily his notebook absorbed the impact and George survived - and then wrote about his escape in the same book.

He wrote: ''Speak not this book for fear of shame, for here you will see the owners name.

''No. 1787 Pte George Dowsell 2nd Devon Regiment. Done by a bullet when in my pocket at Kyain Kwile Loung on Sunday the 22nd of February, 1891.''

The notebook was kept by Dowsell and later passed down through the family.

It is now being sold and expected to fetch several hundred pounds.

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Auctioneer Andrew Stowe from East Bristol Auctions said: ''This notebook is very special.

''Stories of being saved by items stuffed in pockets are surprisingly common throughout history – but very rarely are the actual items still preserved.

''The notebook is in a terrible state with a large bullet hole through the middle, and signs of burning from the heat of the bullet.

''Dowsell was very lucky – the bullet stops just short of the cardboard cover on the rear. If the notebook had been a millimetre thinner, he may not have lived.''

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The notebook is set to fetch around £300 and features in East Bristol Auctions’ specialist sale on September 17. It can be viewed at eastbristol.co.uk

George ran a coal merchant and hauliers business from Haw Lane in Olveston. His wife Hannah was born there, while George originally came from Yate.

Their son William John Dowsell's First World War medals are also being sold in the auction.

William was killed in action on September 20, 1917. He was aged 19.