NEWCASTLE United fans across the world will bid this weekend for a unique collection of football memorabilia.

The collection of avid supporter John Alder, who was killed in the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 tragedy in July, goes under the hammer for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, the cancer charity founded by the former Newcastle manager before his death from the disease.

The auction is at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon (February 22) but there will also be online bidding and it could raise more than £18,000.

Mr Alder, from Low Fell, Gateshead, died with fellow supporter Liam Sweeney on a flight to see Newcastle’s pre-season tour of New Zealand.

He missed only one Newcastle match in 40 years and many of the programmes are from the games he saw.

His family donated the collection, which is made up of 224 lots, to help the foundation

Fred Wyrley-Birch, of auctioneers Anderson and Garland, said: “So many people have volunteered their time to help us. It’s been a great team effort from everyone here at Anderson and Garland, our associates and Newcastle United.

“We’re all hoping the collection achieves a significant amount for the charity in John’s name.”

Programmes include rarities like Newcastle's tour of Southern Africa in 1952 and key items such as the 1924 Newcastle United v Aston Villa FA Cup Final, 1932 Newcastle United v Arsenal FA Cup Final, the 1970 Pecsi Dozsa v Newcastle United Fairs Cup tie, 1997 Liverpool v Newcastle Premier League game that was postponed, and the 1966 World Cup Final that England won at Wembley.

The final lot, number 224, is the programme from the friendly at Oldham Athletic on July 15 - the last game Mr Alder saw.

Mr Alder’s sister, Joyce Robbins, of Darlington, said: “This collection and following Newcastle United meant the world to John and we wanted to do something special with it.

“It wasn’t really practical to keep his collection together and the whole family agreed it should be donated to charity.

“We hope the people who buy the different lots treasure this memorabilia as John did.

“We’re very proud that John’s enthusiasm for football will go on to help other people through the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.”

The collection can be viewed at St James’ Park on Saturday (February 21) between 10am and 4pm and on Sunday (February 22) from 10am to noon, when bidding starts.

Visit www.andersonandgarland.com for more information and to register for online bidding.