A remarkable collection of scientific papers belonging to Alan Turing, the renowned Second World War codebreaker and pioneer of computer science, has been discovered in a loft and is set to be auctioned next month. The archive, which includes a signed personal copy of Turing's 1939 PhD dissertation 'Systems Of Logic Based On Ordinals' and his seminal 1937 paper 'On Computable Numbers', was nearly shredded before its historical significance was recognized.

The papers, described as the first programming manual of the computer age, were originally gifted to Turing's friend and fellow mathematician Norman Routledge by Turing's mother, Ethel. After Routledge's death in 2013, the documents were stored in a relative's loft, where they remained unnoticed until recently. The discovery was made when Routledge's nieces and nephews were sorting through his belongings and considered discarding the papers, unaware of their value.

Rare Book Auctions in Lichfield, Staffordshire, which is handling the sale, has valued Turing's PhD dissertation alone at between £40,000 and £60,000. The collection also includes letters from novelist EM Forster and a telegram from Turing to Routledge, adding to its historical and academic significance. The papers, known as 'offprints', were produced in limited quantities for academic circles, making them rare finds in today's market.

Alan Turing's contributions to computer science and his role in breaking the Enigma code during the Second World War have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. The upcoming auction offers a unique opportunity for collectors and institutions to own a piece of this legacy, shedding light on the personal and professional life of a man whose work continues to impact the world today.

Sandy Gall, the revered war correspondent and long-standing ITN broadcaster, has died at the age of 97. Known for his fearless reporting from some of the most dangerous conflict zones around the world, Gall's career spanned over six decades, during which he became one of the most trusted voices in British journalism. His passing marks the end of an era for war reporting and broadcast journalism.

Gall's journey in journalism began in the early 1950s with Reuters, covering significant global events such as the Suez Crisis and the assassination of President Kennedy. His transition to ITN in 1963 marked the start of a legendary tenure that would see him cover pivotal moments in history, including the Vietnam War and the Soviet-Afghan War. Gall's dedication to reporting from the front lines, often without official clearance, underscored his commitment to bringing the truth to the public.

Beyond his achievements in journalism, Gall was also known for his humanitarian efforts. After retiring from ITN in 1992, he founded Sandy Gall's Afghanistan Appeal, a charity aimed at aiding victims of war, particularly those injured by landmines and children in refugee camps. His work off the field was a testament to his compassion and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those affected by conflict.

Sandy Gall's legacy is not only defined by his groundbreaking reporting but also by his mentorship to younger journalists and his unwavering integrity. As tributes pour in from colleagues and admirers worldwide, it's clear that Gall's contributions to journalism and humanitarian efforts will continue to inspire future generations. His was indeed a great life, generously and courageously lived.