Signed Paul McCartney book discovered in Aberystwyth Oxfam shop sells for almost £1,000

The book, Paul McCartney In His Own Words, features an inscription on the inside front cover signed in black ballpoint pen by McCartney, reading: "All the best! to ye!"

The signed copy was part of a wider collection of 1970s memorabilia donated to the shop and had been sitting among other items for several months before its significance was recognised. As the item was not Gift Aided, staff have been unable to trace the donor.

Following authentication, the book was sold at auction with Bonhams for £950 last week, raising funds to support Oxfam's work tackling poverty and injustice around the world.

Joan Randle, one of the managers of the Oxfam shop in Aberystwyth, said: "The book had actually been sitting on a shelf for a few months alongside lots of other 1970s memorabilia. I'd been planning to use some of the items in a fun window display, so it wasn't something we'd paid particular attention to at first.

"One afternoon I found myself with a bit of spare time and decided to work my way through the pile, it was one of the very last things I looked at.

An Oxfam spokesperson said: "This is a fantastic example of how a single donation can make a real difference.

"We're incredibly grateful to everyone who donates to Oxfam. Whether it's a signed collectible, a well-loved book or an everyday item, every donation and every sale helps us stand with people when they need it most."

The Aberystwyth team hopes the discovery will encourage more people to donate their unwanted books, records and memorabilia, helping Oxfam raise vital funds to respond to emergencies and tackle poverty around the world.