A keen collector is hoping to score big after auctioning signatures from some of the country's famous footballers of the sixties.

A set of autographs from the 1968 European Champions Manchester United Football team, are to be sold by Lawrences Auctioneers of Crewkerne.

The signatures have been entered by Ron Bishop, of Bridport, and were acquired by his work colleague at the time, Josie, at the Russell Square Hotel in London, where the players were staying prior to the 1968 European Cup Final at Wembley.

Mr Bishop was 20 when he received the signatures, and was working as a runner in an emerging bank.

The role including him taking messages from one Telex operator to another to send messages.

Mr Bishop said: "I was getting excited about Manchester United matches, and was enthused when they got to the final.

"The manager of one Telex Room, Josie, said she had a sheet for me.

"She used to meet her husband after work in the hotel for tea.

"Josie told me that she noticed these guys walk in with their blazers on and her husband clocked it was the Manchester United team.

"The only piece of paper she had was a Telex pad, which they passed around each other.

"When it returned, Josie found a line halfway across the page like a team sheet, and the players had signed in their positions."

Manchester United won the final 4-1 after extra time.

The final was 10 years after the Munich Air Disaster, which claimed the deaths of 23 people, including eight Manchester United players, many of whom were being touted for glory.

Some of players that provided autographs include:

George Best, who scored one on the night and was the reigning FWA Footballer of the Year

Bobby Charlton, one of the survivors from the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, World Cup winner and scorer of two goals on the night

Dennis Law

Nobby Stiles, World Cup winner

Bill Foulkes and Harry Gregg, Munich Air Disaster survivors

Pat (or Paddy as he is more commonly known) Crerand

Ron has decided to give up the piece, as given it is the fiftieth anniversary of their historic win, it is the right time to do so.

Lawrences Auctioneer Simon Jones, said: "This is a wonderful piece of football history with many legendary players from that era.

"It has remained with the vendor from 1968 until now, and we are hoping it will find a good home with a fellow enthusiast."

The autographs will be included in Lawrences Collectors and Sporting Auction which will take place on Friday, May 18.

They are expected to make from £150 to £250 in auction.