'Spitting Image' John Major up for sale

A puppet of John Major used in the satirical series Spitting Image is to be sold by auctioneers Bonhams next month.

The caricature, made entirely from shades of grey, is to be auctioned alongside the puppet of the former PM's wife Norma. The pair are expected to raise around £3,500 at a sale of entertainment memorabilia next month.

Stephanie Connell of Bonhams said: "These items are a great piece of British television and political memorabilia and the popularity of Spitting Image puppets continues - they are much loved by politicians and the public alike."

The puppets poked fun at Major's perceived "boring" persona, often showing him being mocked by the Downing Street cat. They were used on the show, which ran until 1996, during his final term in office.

Tony and Cherie Blair's puppets were recently sold for £12,600, while Baroness Thatcher went for £5,040.

Plans for a new series of Spitting Image were scrapped in 2006 after a dispute over Ant and Dec puppets.