A NEAR 50-year-old edition of The Broons annual, focusing on the exploits of the family from Glebe Street, is expected to attract great interest at an auction in St Andrews this week.

The 1959 annual was a birthday gift to a young girl from the renowned artist Dudley D. Watkins, who drew the Broons’ family characters for many years and also that of Oor Wullie, another hugely successful publication from Dundee publishers D. C. Thomson & Co Ltd.

The front sleeve of the book contains a personal birthday message from Watkins to the youngster, called Rosemary, as well as an added bonus of an original ink drawing of Oor Wullie.

Collectors of such memorabilia from many parts of the country are expected to attend Thursday’s auction at MacGregor’s showrooms in Largo Road, said auctioneer Sandra Urie.

She added yesterday, “I understand that the book was purchased some years ago at a car boot sale. It was part of a job lot which was bought for 5p.

“The owner didn’t pay much attention to it at the time. It was only recently when clearing out his home prior to a move that he rediscovered the book and the message.

“Under the original drawing of Oor Wullie and a birthday message is Watkins’ signature.”

The book is expected to fetch a four-figure sum when it comes under the hammer, and Sandra added, “The annual is in fine condition and is highly collectable. We were all brought up on The Broons and we expect it to generate great interest. It is a fascinating item to have in any sale.”