Fangio helmet auction for Jackie Stewart's charity

Argentinian Juan Manuel Fangio won the Formula 1 World Championship five times in the 1950s

A rare replica of the helmet worn by Formula 1 champion Juan Manuel Fangio is being auctioned to raise funds for Sir Jackie Stewart's charity.

Sir Jackie founded Race Against Dementia after his wife was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2014.

The helmet was donated by the Foundacion Fangio Museo, and is being actioned by Northamptonshire-based F1 Authentics.

"Fangio was my hero. However, he wasn't just my hero, he was a close friend, a true gentleman and someone I respected immensely," Sir Jackie said.

Sir Jackie Stewart founded his charity after his wife's dementia diagnosis

Race Against Dementia aims to help research into a cure for dementia, and is funding a new blood test trial developed by the University of Cambridge.

The study hopes to detect signs of frontotemporal dementia decades before it develops.

The replica helmet features the original style used by the racing drivers during the early years of F1.

The proceeds of the auction of the helmet will go to Race Against Dementia

It is 75 years since the first F1 Grand Prix and World Championship, and the auction will coincide with the Monaco Grand Prix at the end of the month, which Fangio won in 1950.

Fangio won five championships and became a mentor to Sir Jackie, who went on to win three.

Sir Jackie said: "The Fangio helmet was gifted to me and I hope it will represent our friendship, and all that the great man stood for.

"To me, he remains the greatest driver of all time."