First World Cup Panini sticker album sold at auction

A copy of the first-ever Panini World Cup sticker album from 1970 has sold at auction for £2,000.

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.

It was sold at Gildings Auctioneers in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, on Tuesday, exceeding its estimated price of between £1,200 and £1,800.

The final price paid, including fees, was £2,400.

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

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

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 had been ruined by mice "but thankfully Panini was off the menu for them".

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

Auctioneer Will Gilding said the item had "survived in remarkable condition" and was a "rare piece of World Cup memorabilia".

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