The collection goes on sale next week

Children's television character favourites are to go under the hammer at a toy auction.

The only surviving figure from animated series Camberwick Green and Thunderbird figures are among more than 750 toys, trains and cars going on sale at Christie's in London next week.

The soldier from Pippin Fort is expected to fetch �2,000-�3,000.

The show's creator Gordon Murray burned all of the other foam figures from Trumpton and Camberwick Green after they became worn out.

But the last surviving soldier was given as a birthday present to the seller by Mr Murray's daughter in 1986.

Rubbish dump

A collection of Thunderbirds memorabilia was rescued by the seller's grandfather as it headed for the rubbish dump after the programme came to an end in the 1960s.

The haul which includes the heads of John and Virgil Tracey, their manservant Kyrano and a selection of blue International Rescue caps. is expected to raise between �15,000-�20,000.

The Toys, Dolls and Mechanical Music sale will also feature more than 5,000 toy soldiers and military vehicles, dolls and Dinky and Corgi cars.

The lots will go on display at Christie's in South Kensington, south-west London, on 7 May ahead of the sale on Thursday 8 May.