Sport commentator's career keepsakes sold

The sale includes a number of David Coleman's research notes, newspaper clippings, presenting scripts and career keepsakes

A vintage typewriter and career keepsakes belonging to the late BBC sports presenter David Coleman are among his personal items sold at auction.

Coleman worked for the BBC for 46 years, providing commentary for Fifa world cups, and playing host for the BBC's primetime sporting quiz show A Question of Sport for 18 years.

Coleman passed away in 2013 at the age of 87, leaving behind a rich collection of typewritten scripts, photographs and personal mementos.

The "rare and unique" items sold for more than £1,000 at RWB Auctions in Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, on Wednesday.

Among the items is an Olivetti Lettera 25 typewriter, used to compose many of his scripts for sporting coverage

Coleman was the veteran broadcaster of 11 Olympic Games, six Fifa world cups and eight Commonwealth Games, as part of a career spanning more than 40 years in the industry.

He also presented BBC Sports Personality of the Year from 1961 to 1983, as well as Match of the Day and Sportsnight from 1968 to 1973.

In 1992, his contributions to sports journalism earned him an OBE in the New Year's Honours from Queen Elizabeth II.

Highlights from the collection to be auctioned include his production notes for the Grandstand coverage of the Grand Nationals from 1978 to 1983, containing interviews with now King Charles and the Princess Royal.

David Coleman's family said he was a "stickler for writing his own scripts", which contain his personal notes and amendments

In addition, his OBE certificate signed by HM Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, and a Royal Television Society Hall of Fame certificate awarded in 1996 are also up for sale.

His family say they have entered the items for auction to provide a unique opportunity to own a piece of his works from notable events in his career.

Also on offer is a treasure trove of items related to his public and personal life - including photographs, sports patches, a golfing trophy, and a caricature sketch.

As presenter of Grandstand for a decade from 1958, he provided the nation with news on major sporting events every Saturday afternoon

Auctioneer Gordon Brockman, of RWB Auctions, says: "We are delighted to be offering such personal items for sale belonging to such a stalwart character from the world of British sport.

"Items like this are rare, and this presents a truly unique opportunity to own a piece of sporting history."

Mr Brockman said he was "immediately enthusiastic" when he saw the "fascinating" collection, because he knew how significant it was.

David Coleman first appeared on air for the BBC in 1954

"David Coleman was in everybody's lives, we all grew up with him commentating," Mr Brockman continued.

"He was just a lovely guy, and I don't think people realise how much he did for broadcasting. He deserves this, he earned it."

He added: "They'll be going to a good home, which is what the family wanted."