In an auction house far, far away... Star Wars toys could make half a million

A collection of rare Star Wars toys could fetch half a million pounds when they go under the hammer at auction.

Auctioneers said the lot, which was amassed over 40 years from around the world, is one of the most diverse they had seen.

The pick of the hundreds of toys for sale is a prototype Boba Fett figure which was never put into production as it fired a projectile which could have been a choking hazard.

Specialists Vectis Auctions, in Thornaby, Teesside, said the unpainted and crudely-cast figure could reach £15-20,000 when it is sold.

The collection was put together by a French fan of the films who has previously loaned some of his beloved items to a museum but has now decided to sell.

His collection includes other rare items, including unlicensed bootleg Star Wars toys made in Turkey and Hungary.

Vectis valuer Kathy Taylor said: "This is one of the most diverse collections we have ever handled.

"He seems to have gone after things that are rare and difficult to source, things you just don't see every day."

The sale starts on Tuesday and is set to last two days.