A WAR medal that Uncle Albert wore with pride throughout Only Fools & Horses has emerged for sale at auction for £2,000.

The decoration - a genuine World War II 1939-45 Star and ribbon - was regularly seen pinned to Albert's chest on the legendary sitcom.

It is one of a handful used during the comedy's production and was often seen hanging from the brown waistcoat of the much-loved white-whiskered character.

Albert was played by the late Buster Merryfield, who came from Verwood.

The medal is currently owned by a collector of Only Fools & Horses memorabilia and is to go under the hammer at East Bristol Auctions.

Andrew Stowe, of East Bristol Auctions, said: "Uncle Albert's 'during the war' stories were a key running joke throughout the whole series, and to have one of his medals that he obtained 'during the war' is just wonderful.

He added: "Only Fools is perhaps the best loved sitcom in British comedy history, and Uncle Albert was one of it's most recognisable characters - to have a key prop that belonged to him is just wonderful.

He added: "It's 'triffic' to have this medal coming up for auction - everyone knows Only Fools and everyone knows Uncle Albert and his war stories."

The medal, which has a striped ribbon, is in a dark frame alongside two signed pictures of Merryfield with David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst.

A signed copy of his autobiography, entitled 'During the War' is also included.

Buster Merryfield, a former bank manager, died in 1999 aged 78.

The sale takes place today (June 7)