Eva Bredsdorff saw Best in Copenhagen in 1969

Danish-born Eva Bredsdorff, the curator of the Powysland Museum in mid Wales, first became fixated with Best in 1969 when she was just 12.

She saw Best play in a pre-season friendly in the Danish capital and from that moment became a committed fan of the Manchester United and Northern Ireland star.

Now she has set up an exhibition in the Welshpool museum, which attracts 10,000 visitors a year, dedicated to the legendary footballer.

I thought I was the female George Best although my alcohol intake was never up to my hero's standards Eva Bredsdorff, curator

Best, who is recovering from a life-saving liver transplant after years of heavy drinking, has given his backing and says he may visit the event later this summer.

"I admit that this George Best exhibition is a complete abuse of power and I have done this for myself as much as anybody else," said Ms Bredsdorff, who grew up in Copenhagen.

"I have been a huge fan of Best since I saw him play in a friendly game against a Danish side 34 years ago," she added.

Stardom

"I remember walking out of the stadium and seeing him through a window and that was it for me."

Such was her obsession Ms Bredsdorff even started playing football and was part of an under 16's girls team which won the Copenhagen championship in the early 1970s.

The Powysland exhibition focuses on Best's footballing career at Manchester United during the 1960s and early 1970s.

Eva Bredsdorff: 'Complete abuse of power'

It looks at the way his talent and looks propelled him into the type of stardom which had not previously been seen in the world of football.

"Best was the first star that spanned the football and show business worlds and has become an icon of that time," said Ms Bredsdorff.

The displays place Best's career and life in a social history context taking into account the music, fashion and culture of that time.

Among the items on display are a Northern Ireland tracksuit worn by Best.

A boy's bedroom from the Best era has also been recreated with posters, bedspread and other items relating to the player and his club.

"We've also borrowed framed photographs of George from the National Portrait Gallery and we have been donated pictures from Manchester Evening News journalist, David Meek.

George Best: Given his backing

"I believe this is the biggest collection of George Best memorabilia in the public domain outside Manchester United."

Ms Bredsdorff said the exhibition offered an alternative way of attracting people to find out more about Montgomeryshire.

"Although George Best has no link with Welshpool, the three other galleries in the museum have permanent collections dealing with the history of Montgomeryshire," she said.

Agent Phil Hughes said Best was "delighted" the exhibition was taking place.

"The museum kindly asked George's permission to put it on a few months ago and George may pop in to visit if he is in the area."