Alan Turing papers saved from shredder could fetch £150,000

Documents including signed copy of 1938 PhD dissertation to be auctioned after they were nearly thrown out

Widely considered the father of theoretical computer science, Alan Turing's influence on modern life continues to be felt in the age of artificial intelligence. But despite this legacy, a cache of his most important papers was nearly shredded - only to be saved at the last minute when their significance was recognised at a family event.

At auction next month, the papers are expected to sell for as much as 150,000 in 13 separate lots.