A set of hand puppets given to two siblings by the creator of a famous children's television show is expected to fetch thousands of pounds at auction. Vicky Golding and Max Jowett received the Sooty, Sweep and Soo puppets from Harry Corbett, who invented the beloved puppeting trio.
Their father, Derek Jowett, was a friend and financial adviser to Corbett, who lived in nearby Guiseley. The puppets were gifted after Corbett learned that the children's mother, Jackie Jowett, was ill with cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in the early 1970s and died from the disease in 1980 at age 46.
Ms Golding, who lives in Otley, West Yorkshire, recalled: 'I remember Harry coming to our house in Otley and entertaining us with Sooty shows. Knowing dad so well, he must have been touched by our plight. Max and I were only small when mum became poorly.'
The Sooty show debuted on television in 1952, and memorabilia from the series has become highly prized. One puppet sold for £14,500 in 2018. The three puppets have a guide price of £5,000 to £7,000, but auctioneers expect they could fetch up to £15,000.
Charles Hanson, from Derbyshire-based Hansons Auctioneers, said: 'This is the first time we have been able to sell a full set of the vintage puppets. Imagine Harry himself entertaining you with a private Sooty show in your own house as a child.'
