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A unique collection of Tommy Cooper memorabilia, including the Caerphilly-born comedian’s last fez, is set to go to auction ahead of his birthday.

Also going under the hammer is Cooper’s evening dress suit which he wore to meet Queen Elizabeth II, complete with a letter of authenticity from daughter Vicki.

Fans can also bid on a set of his famous bottle-glass-glass-bottle trick and one of his classic magic tables with appearing legs, both believed to have been used by Cooper himself.

Cooper fans will be celebrating the famous comedian’s 104th birthday on Wednesday March 19.

In addition to the funds raised from the sale, auctioneers Hanson Ross will be donating a percentage of its auction fees to train carers from Julia’s House Children’s Hospice in ‘laughter yoga’.

Julia’s House provides vital care for children with life-limiting conditions, and this initiative will give their dedicated carers a new way to bring moments of lightness and joy into the lives of the children and families they support.

Amanda Butler, operations director of Hanson Ross, said: “Tommy Cooper was an icon. His humour was timeless, and his ‘mistake’ magic inspired generations of comedians and magicians.

“It feels incredibly fitting that his personal items will now support two causes rooted in his greatest gift – laughter. Not only will the money raised help train laughter yoga leaders, but our donation will also allow the carers at Julia’s House to use laughter therapy in their incredible work.”

For Clive Greenaway, the UK’s number one Tommy Cooper tribute artist, the auction brings his journey full circle. He said: “As a child, I used to cheer up my mum, who suffered from depression, by impersonating Tommy Cooper with a flower pot instead of a fez.

“Who could have imagined that, years later, I would own Tommy’s actual fez and be able to auction it for causes that use laughter as a force for good?”

The auction is due to start at 10am on Saturday March 15 from The Woburn, Bedfordshire, but you can bid via telephone or online.