Copy of first World Cup sticker album to be auctioned

A copy of the first ever Panini World Cup sticker album from 1970 could fetch up to £1,800 at auction.

It was given to Andrew Knott from Arthingworth, Northamptonshire, as a 12th Birthday present by his aunt.

The album features England's Bobby Charlton, Germany's Franz Beckenbauer, Portugal's Eusébio and Brazil's Pelé.

"After years of it sitting in the garage without any attention, the time is right to part ways with it," Mr Knott said.

The album was given to the 65-year-old already completed as his aunt worked for Thorpe & Porter, the album's distributor, based in Thurmaston, Leicestershire.

Mr Knott said: "As my 12th birthday present, it was amazing to be presented with the complete album, although the fun of swaps in the playground with my friends was lost on me."

He said some of his other football memorabilia has been ruined by mice "but thankfully Panini was off the menu for them".

Although it was completed, two stickers, featuring the Jules Rimet Trophy and the Moroccan Football Federation badge, have since been lost in storage.

It is estimated to make between £1,200 and £1,800 at the sale at Gildings Auctioneers in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, on Tuesday.

Panini was founded in Italy in 1961 and the 1970 Wold Cup album was the first one it sold internationally.

Auctioneer Will Gilding said it was a "rare piece of World Cup memorabilia".

"After over a half a century in storage not far from its origins, we're looking forward to finding a new home for this special item," he said.