Michael Phelps’s cap of victory auctioned in London

THE swimming cap worn by Michael Phelps when he won his eighth gold medal in Beijing is to be sold at auction in London.

Phelps broke Mark Spitz's record of seven golds in one Games when the American team triumphed in the 4x100metre medley relay.

The signed cap, together with a letter of authenticity, is expected to fetch up to £6,000 at Graham Budd Auctions in Hammersmith Road on 11 November.

Phelps stopped in London on his way back to America this summer for the Olympic handover ceremony. The swimmer gave the historic swimming cap to the security guard who looked after him during his stay, which included sightseeing trips and a visit to the All England Tennis Club at Wimbledon. Mr Budd said: "It's incredible that the cap has come to be sold in this country."

At the same sale, the shirt worn by Geoff Hurst when he won the 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup with West Ham may fetch £10,000.