A SIGNED photograph of the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing, along with a rare signed letter, could fetch thousands of pounds when it goes up for auction in Colchester on Tuesday.

Auctioneers at Reeman Dansie estimate the photo, signed by history-making USA astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, could fetch up to £2,000 or more because of the accompanying letter.

The letter is signed by crew commander Mr Armstrong to an E L Smith, who had asked for the photograph.

Collectables consultant Michael Bowles said: “That letter makes all the difference.

“The picture is signed by all the crew.

“What’s very unusual is we have got on the back of the letter to EL Smith, only a month after they landed, signed by Neil Armstrong - which is lovely.”

The letter is headed from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

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Mr Armstrong wrote: “I am sorry I was unable to reply before the launch, but we were all extremely busy.

“I have enclosed an autographed crew picture which your twin boys, Glen and Clinton may enjoy.”

Interest has already been shown by potential bidders from around the world, including the USA.

On auction day, around 200 bidders will be at the Severalls Business Park auctioneers with as many as 1,000 online and on the phone.

The seller of the lot is a private collector.

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Also on sale on Tuesday are a collection of circus posters including one held in Colchester in the 1960s and 1970s.

Mr Bowles said interest is most likely to come from circus poster collectors or those fascinated by Colchester’s history.

He said of the seller: “The gentleman fulfilled his dream and ran away to the circus and became a tiger trainer.”

That man has now opted to sell all 20 posters which could each fetch between £100 to £400.

The sale takes place from 10am on Tuesday and further lots will be on sale from 10am on Wednesday.