Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder in Dr No

The Swedish-born actress shot to fame when she emerged from the sea wearing the cotton bikini in the 1962 movie, the first official James Bond film.

"This bikini made me into a success," the 64-year-old actress said.

Ursula Andress played Honey Ryder in the Bond film and started a tradition of so-called Bond girls which continues to the present day.

There have been more than 40 different Bond girls, among them Pussy Galore, Xenia Onatopp, May Day and Holly Goodhead.

Miss Andress was reportedly cast to appear in the film after producers saw her appear in a beauty contest.

The bikini is expected to fetch up to �50,000 as part of a sale of Bond memorabilia at Christie's auction house in London on 14 February.

Bond memorabilia fetches high prices, with signed photographs of Bond girls, villains and former James Bonds particularly valuable.