"EXCEEDINGLY rare" Star Wars items are expected to fetch thousands of pounds at a specialist auction house in the region on Tuesday.

Vectis Auction House, in Thornaby, near Stockton, is auctioning off the items in a special sale which is attracting bidders from America, Germany, France, Brazil and Mexico.

The star of the show is an original copy of a 1978 issue of American magazine, Woman’s Day, which features instructions for making your own Star Wars toy sets, designed to keep children entertained on a budget.

Auctioneers claim that once assembled and if good quality, the projects including an "Outer-Space Station" and “Conveyor-Belt Bridge” with self-built figurines, can fetch up to £1,000 each.

For valuer Kathy Taylor, the magazine is a reminder that entertaining children without breaking the bank should not be a thing of the past.

She said: “You would make these out of scraps, nails and wood but in these days of austerity everyone expects things to be bought. Back then people managed on a budget.”

Other items set to sell for hundreds include original printer's proofs used in the production of 1980s Star Wars toy packaging.

Ms Taylor said: “These original toy packages are exceedingly rare as back in the day people would just throw them away. They have become collectors’ items in their own right because they are so unique.”

Some in particular that bear the original movie name 'Revenge of the Jedi' before film-maker George Lucas changed the title to 'Return of the Jedi' will fetch for up £1,200.

The auction will be accessed by bidders across the world via live video link while those closer to home can experience the sale at the auction house itself.

Ms Taylor said that hard work and a good eye for quality is essential to the company’s growing international reputation.

She said: “We are very specialised and have built up a reputation because not many places do what we do. We collect and sell items from all over the world from antique to modern.

“It is hard work and auctions like this need a lot of manpower. We are as busy as we can be and the way things are going, there may be room for expansion.”

Despite its international success, the Vectis Auction house is keen to stress its humble roots.

Ms Taylor said: “When I first started this job people would ask why would be based in the North-East because they expect us to be in London, but we find staying here works.”