The robe worn by comedy legend Tommy Cooper during his final performance is expected to fetch between £4,000 to £6,000 at auction in North Yorkshire next month.

The robe will be the star lot at Tennants Auctioneers' Toys & Models, Sporting and Fishing sale at Leyburn on July 23.

On April 15 1984, Cooper stepped on stage at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London for a live televised performance. 

Wearing the red silk brocade robe and his trademark fez, he was to perform an act in which objects of ever increasing size were passed by the show’s host, Jimmy Tarbuck, through the stage curtain and an opening panel in the back of the garment, to appear as if by magic from beneath the robe. 

But in a moment that shocked the nation, Cooper suffered a heart attack part-way through the act and collapsed. He never regained consciousness and was certified dead at Westminster Hospital.

The robe, which was made to fit the Welsh comedian’s 6ft 4in frame, was later owned by fellow magician Paul Daniels, who purchased it at a comic heritage auction. 

It was then sold through Tim Reed Magic in 2003 to the current vendor and is accompanied by a signed letter from Paul Daniels confirming the robe’s provenance.

Tommy Cooper was an iconic figure in British entertainment. Born in Caerphilly, Wales, he served in the Army during World War II, where he entertained comrades with his comedic and magical talents. Along with his distinctive look, Cooper became known for his magic tricks which often went intentionally and hilariously wrong.

Cooper remains one of Britain's most legendary and fondly remembered entertainers of the era.