In pictures: Batman and Flash Gordon in robot toys sale

Astroman was made in West Germany by Dux and is valued at about £400 while the Batman made by Japanese firm Nomura could sell for up to £500

Batman, Flash Gordon and a 1930s-built Japanese robot are expected to draw classic toy collectors to a sale.

They are among a collection of almost 1,000 robots amassed over 40 years by a couple from the North East.

The Out of This World auction takes place at toy sale specialist Vectis in Thornaby, Teesside and is expected to raise more than £40,000.

Auctioneer Andy Reed said it was the largest single collection of robots the auction house had sold.

One of the highlights is a Robot Lilliput made in Japan in 1939 which is estimated to fetch up to £700. Another model recently sold for £11,000

Flash Gordon's rocket fighter was released in 1939 in America and is estimated to sell for between £300 and £400

The collection was amassed by one North East couple over about 40 years

The couple, who wish to remain anonymous, scoured fairs, shows and shops but felt now is the right time to sell their collection

Only 500 Mr Atomic toys were released in colour in 1994. This one is estimated to sell for £120

This trio of talking robots originated in Hong Kong and are expected to fetch £60

This Space Patrol Car originated in Japan is estimated to fetch between £170 and £220

Takara's Kotetsu Ziigu toy is a rare find estimated to fetch up to £200 while Sky Zero is expected to sell for a similar amount

Vectis auctioneer Andy Reed says it is the largest single collection of robot toys the company has sold