SERIOUS literature scholars may scoff, but a simple autograph book is expected to bring delight to fans of one of the greatest children's authors of all time.

The book is about to go under the hammer and contains all the usual little bits of doggerel and unfamiliar signatures.

But for anyone who has ever enjoyed the stories of Winnie-the-Pooh, there is also a pure gem to be found - a long-lost poem by AA Milne himself.

A master of the art of children's story-telling, Alan Alexander Milne (1882-1956) found everlasting fame for his tales from the Hundred Acre Wood, but his comic verses are equally well-loved by his millions of fans worldwide.

And in the autograph book is a four-verse poem, called Before Tea and dated May 1925, that is believed to have never been published before.

The book will be auctioned next month at Tennant's of Leyburn, and is being sold by a North Yorkshire family who are thought to have inherited the book.

Despite its rarity, it could still be well within the grasp of Milne's fans. Experts have estimated it will sell for between £180 and £220.

"It's quite an exciting discovery. Milne's popularity is as high as ever - but sadly there's no E H Shepherd illustration to go with it," said a spokesman.

Also up for grabs on the same day is a little bit of social history - a letter, signed March 1871, by the mother of the modern nursing profession, Florence Nightingale.

Addressed to a Mrs Fyfe, it is a detailed reply to an inquiry about getting the women's daughter into a post as a trainee nurse. The letter has yellowed and at some time has been repaired with tape, and is expected to fetch anything between £80 and £120.

The autograph book and letter are among nearly 400 lots to be sold by Tennants at a major book sale on February 27.

They include a rare collection from York relating to the history of the city and the Minster, and a selection on the history of madness, one of which, dating from 1754, is expected to fetch between £400 and £600.

Viewing for the auction room will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 25 and 26.