BEATLES MEMORABILIA IN AN AUCTION IN PLYMOUTH NEXT MONTH

A WOMAN who once threw a bouquet at Paul McCartney and whose husband has been described as a look-alike John Lennon, is selling some Beatles memorabilia.

The woman, who has decided to remain anonymous, has been a fan of the Fab Four since her teenage years.

At Plymouth Auction Rooms next month she will release a fascinating selection of transparency images from the film Help!, a complete set of autographs, and a copy of The Saints – an early recording credited to Tony Sheridan and the Beatles.

"I saw the Beatles twice at the ABC Exeter when I was at school," she says.

"The first time I was at the back. The second time I was down at the front and threw a bunch of flowers at Paul McCartney because he was my favourite."

Since those teenage days she has changed allegiance and now says John Lennon is her favourite – with people having commentated that her husband bears a resemblance to the world-famous Liverpuddlian.

When she was a teenager she acquired the autographs at an auction raising money for a special baby care unit. John Lennon's signature is even dated 1963.

The lady's father then gave her the collection of publicity images which are from the Beatles' 1965 comedy adventure film Help!

"My dad knew I loved the Beatles. The pictures made me very happy because I lived for them," says the owner, whose absolute favourite Beatles song is And I Love Her.

A lot of scenes were filmed on location in the Bahamas – most of the pictures show the Beatles looking relaxed and enjoying the shoot.

There is also an image of them in the snow with Eleanor Bron, and one of George Harrison with his wife Pattie Boyd.

The owner was later given a copy of My Bonnie / The Saints – recorded in 1962 with a red label. It made it to number five in the German chart.

The record was released in America on Decca with a black label and also in a pink label for demo play. The record has the distinction of being one of the most expensive collectible 45 rpms with the black label in mint condition selling for more than £9,000 in 2007 and the pink label selling for almost £2,000.

Tony Sheridan was an English rock and roll singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known as an early collaborator of the Beatles. He is one of only two non-Beatles (the other being Billy Preston) to receive label performance credit on a record with the group. And he is the only non-Beatle to appear as lead singer on a Beatles recording which charted as a single.

"I have had these items for about 30 years. It's a bit painful to let them go but I am after something special," says their owner. Seeing the Beatles live was wonderful. I was screaming. Everyone was screaming.

"Concerts are different now – things aren't like they were in the 60s."

The items will be sold at Plymouth Auction Rooms on September 9. Auctioneer Paul Keen said he was excited to auction this original set of Beatles autographs and fascinating collection of transparencies.

"The timing is perfect as they coincide with the celebration of 50 years since the Beatles' fifth studio album Help! and the accompanying film was released," he said. "We are expecting interest from legions of Beatles fans.", and have estimated the whole collection to sell in the region of £2,000."