Lady Penelope and co-creator Sylvia Anderson

The series followed the adventures of the Tracy family, all members of International Rescue, and their associates, Lady Penelope and her driver Parker.

When it was first shown on ITV in October 1965, it was reportedly the most expensive series ever made.

Return

Since then it has attracted an audience of 100 million fans in 66 countries around the world.

Thunderbirds returned to BBC Two last year after a seven-year gap with a digitally remastered version of the series.

"Nosey" Parker was Lady Penelope's driver

Reserved prices for the puppets - to be sold by FleetwodOwen - will not be revealed until closer to the date of the sale.

Other highlights of the auction, which takes place at the Planet Hollywood venue in the West End, include Dr Evil's costume from the movie Austin Powers and the alien head from the film Aliens.

Movie props and costumes from James Bond, Gladiator, Sleepy Hollow and Mission Impossible will also go under the hammer.

Thirty-two episodes of Thunderbirds were made in total, and the cult show inspired a successful stage show as well.

Gerry Anderson told a BBC News Online forum last year that he was thrilled with the continued success of the series.

He said: "It doesn't matter that the series is now 35 years old, I am still delighted when children tell me how much they are enjoying it."