A GOLDEN ticket used as a prop in the film Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory – and then lost for decades – is due to be sold 48 years after filming wrapped.

The shiny slip of foil paper was the one English brat Veruca Salt 'found' after her wealthy father got his factory workforce to open thousands of Wonka chocolate bars.

After the film was finished, actress Julie Dawn Cole, who played selfish Veruca, kept both the prop and a fake Wonka chocolate bar.

The 12-year-old then gave both to her friend Lindy Carr, nee Sellers.

Mrs Carr, who lives in Sherborne, held on to the souvenirs for years until she lost them when she separated from her husband in 1985.

However, the items were recently unearthed again by her ex-husband's new partner, who put them up for auction. They are tipped to sell for £12,000. The proceeds will be split between Mrs Carr and the unnamed woman.

A letter of authenticity from Julie Dawn Cole comes with the items.

The letter states: "I can confirm that the two items were given to me by the producers on completion of the film in which I played the role of 'Veruca Salt'.

"On my return to England after the film wrapped, I gifted them to Lindy Sellars (now Carr) my school friend at the time. Lindy and I have remained friends for almost 50 years."

Of the five golden tickets from the film, three are known to exist today.

Mrs Carr, 60, said: "I was at stage school with Julie from the age of 12. We were best friends and still are today.

"I recall sitting on her bedroom floor in her parents house in Guildford after she had just returned from the filming and she emptied her bag and pulled out these two items.

"One was a golden ticket that she said was used in the film and the other was a Wonka Bar.

"She gave them to me. I didn't really appreciate them at the time.

"I went to the cinema with Julie to see the film a few times and she used to get recognised every time."

The items are being sold by Catherine Southon Auctioneers in Selsden, Surrey.

The auctioneer said: "As a child Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was one of my favourite books and I loved the character of Veruca Salt in the film, so when the ticket and Wonka bar was bought in to us on a valuation day, I couldn't believe my eyes.

"It was a real dream come true.

"It is an iconic piece of film ephemera which appeal resonates with the child in all of us."

The sale will take place today.