Huge interest in an auction of comedy legend Eric Morecambe's lifetime of treasures has sparked a move – to a football stadium just a few miles from Ashby.

Hansons Auctioneers planned to host the sale of more than 800 lots from the Morecambe family home at its Derbyshire saleroom in Etwall, near Derby.

However, following a phenomenal response from potential bidders, the January 10-11 sale and viewing days will now take place at the Pirelli Stadium, home to Burton Albion Football Club in nearby Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: "When news of the sale broke on November 18 our phones never stopped ringing.

Image: Hansons Auctioneers

"We were overwhelmed by enquiries from the UK and across the world. Hundreds of orders flooded in from people keen to buy copies of the sale catalogues before they'd even been printed. It soon became apparent we needed a much larger venue to accommodate everyone wishing to view lots and bid.

"We're very grateful to Burton Albion, a club we have close connections to which is only about 10 minutes' drive from our Derbyshire saleroom.

"It has superb facilities, bags of parking and plenty of space to accommodate Eric Morecambe's legions of fans. Eric was a big football fan himself so I'm sure he would have approved. He famously supported Luton Town and some lots in the sale pay homage to his favourite team.

"We anticipate continued strong interest – bidding is already under way online – and look forward to honouring the life of Britain's greatest comedy legend in this extraordinary auction."