Royal relic under the hammer

The bat was signed by Edward VIII as Prince of Wales

An 80-year-old cricket bat, signed by one of England's most notorious kings, is due to be auctioned in Gloucestershire.

The bat was autographed in 1926 by Edward VIII, when he was Prince of Wales.

Ten years later he was renouncing the throne for the other love of his life - Mrs Wallis Simpson.

The bat was also signed by the Australian touring side as they played in Cheltenham.

It is expected to fetch up to £500 at the auction in Cheltenham next week.

The bat, which was sold in Cheltenham by WA Woof Ltd, was also signed by the Australian touring side - a team which unusually, did not beat England.