RARE Beatles memorabilia collected by a fan during the 1960s is to be sold at auction later this month.

The lots – including signed photographs, early edition singles and a personal letter from Paul McCartney – are included in Thomas Watsons’ Summer Antiques Catalogue Sale, which takes place on Tuesday, June 21 at their Darlington saleroom.

Among the items is a typed personal letter from Paul McCartney written from his Liverpool address in the early days of the band’s rising popularity.

It starts “Dear Jean” and is signed “Love, Paul McCartney xxx” and contains chatty phrases such as “nice to hear from you”, “cheerio” and “good luck”. The single sheet of paper is expected to fetch between £800 and £1,200.

There are also several photographs, including one from a Beatles’ performance at the legendary Cavern Club in the early 1960s and a television appearance by the group – again both signed and personalised by Paul McCartney. These carry guide prices of £150 to £250.

“The Beatles are arguably the biggest and most influential band of all times and they still have a huge and loyal following,” said David Elstob, auctioneer and valuer at Thomas Watsons.

“The group is also incredibly popular worldwide – for instance they are the best-selling music artists in the United States – so with the ease of internet bidding, these items are readily accessible to fans and collectors across the globe.”

The collection also contains a number of vinyl singles, including: She Loves You (1963); I Feel Fine (1964); Help (1965) and Paperback Writer (1966). Two of the records – Please Please Me (1963) and From Me To You (1963) – have signed covers and are expected to reach up to £400 each.

“Vintage discs, especially those from iconic artists, are extremely collectible at the moment," said Mr Elstob.

“The fact that some of these are also signed will make them even more desirable and we are expecting a great deal of interest from fans and music enthusiasts alike.”

The memorabilia came from a female fan who lives in the North-West.

The sale itself starts at 10am on Tuesday, June 21 and bidding can be made in person, online or via the telephone.