Nigel Mansell auctions F1 memorabilia for charity

Former F1 world champion Nigel Mansell is auctioning some of his personal racing memorabilia to raise money for a youth charity.

Mansell is selling dozens of items on 7 July at Silverstone Museum through Budds Auctions, based in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, to support the charity UK Youth.

The collection of items features his signed 1987 Williams helmet, an IndyCar helmet and gloves, a karting trophy and racing suit.

"To have these things in the hands of fans around the world - I can sleep well at night knowing people are enjoying it, and that UK Youth is benefiting," Mansell told Robert Constantin, from BBC Radio Northampton.

Mansell was crowned world champion in 1992 and was later named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

He won 35 Grand Prixs over the course of 15 seasons in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Mansell said he had owned some items for decades and hoped they would now be enjoyed by motorsport fans, while raising money for charity.

Speaking about his Williams helmet, Mansell said: "It's an iconic helmet, it's an incredible bit of history.

"If they can help me [with donations for UK Youth], that would be incredible.

"I've always liked to help others... to be educated and make better life choices."

He added he might buy some of the prized items back during the auction.

UK Youth is a charity that supports youth organisations and programmes aiming to provide young people with skills and opportunities.

Mansell has served as its president for 25 years.

The money raised from the auction will go towards a planned new building so "children have something in the winter where they can go inside and do team building and educational things," Mansell said.

The auction will take place following the British Grand Prix weekend, being held 3-5 July.

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