Manchester United 1968 European Cup Final ball sold

A leather football from Man United's 1968 European Cup Final victory at Wembley has sold at auction for £1,700.

The football, used in the club's 4-1 defeat of Benfica, was originally donated by George Best to a man he had been out drinking with in the 1970s.

The game was the first time an English side had won the European Cup. United's goals came from Best, Bobby Charlton and Brian Kidd.

It was sold at Eastbourne Auction Rooms, in East Sussex.

It had been estimated to fetch between £600 and £800.

The auction house said the ball had been given to a young apprentice footballer by Best during a drinking session.

The apprentice then gave the ball - which is signed by 19 players, including Best, Charlton, Kidd and Alex Stepney - to his son.

Jeannette May, senior valuer at Eastbourne Auction Rooms, said: "It makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. It is quite an iconic piece of sporting memorabilia."

New owner Alfred Toft said: "I think it's a unique item and it's impossible to get another one of these and I'm very very pleased to have it."