Norwich City fans can delve into the history of their club when thousands of pieces of memorabilia go on sale at a fair in Bowthorpe later this month.

Programmes, tickets, shirts and photographs dating back to the second world war will be on sale at the football programme and memorabilia fair at the Brook Hotel, which is returning after a successful debut last year.

Football-mad fans can even have their own personal keepsakes valued by experts, and find out if they have priceless pieces of sporting history hidden away in their homes.

Organiser Gary Enderby said the items on sale – such as newspapers, books, badges – would appeal to committed collectors but also items for the younger generation, like collectible Match Attax cards.

'There will be a lot of Norwich City memorabilia but we have plenty from other clubs too, all the way through to non-league,' he said.

'Most of the items will be affordable and we are aiming to have something there to appeal to people of all ages.

'We expect to see seasoned collectors through to those who just want to spend a few pounds.'

Items dating from the current season all the way back to the 1940s will be on sale from stall holders, many of whom will also be able to explain the history and folklore behind them.

Experts will be on hand to value items brought by visitors, and even offer advice on the most effective ways of selling them.

'We have specialists in many different areas and they will be able to tell you if what you've got is worth something,' said Mr Enderby, 53, of Diss, who is also a Norwich City season-ticket holder.

He has been a collector for many years, and said some of his most prized possessions are Norwich City handbooks dating to the first world war.

He said: 'Our national obsession of collecting can follow many trends, but I find football memorabilia quite enjoyable: the actual fact of holding some small part of history from a match decades ago, whether it be a programme, match ticket, rosette or rattle.

'Of course, like any collection, they can be worth keeping hold of to pass on in the family.'

He said that online auction sites had made getting hold of memorabilia easier than ever, but that memorabilia fairs were still the most reliable and trustworthy way of building a collection.

'Buying programmes this way is often a lottery, as you cannot see the programmes before you buy and have no real idea what you will receive in the post.

'By visiting a programme fair you can see and handle all the items and speak to a reputable person who has been selling and buying programmes for many years, and find a piece of history.'

The fair at the Brooke Hotel in Bowthorpe will be held on April 28, between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Entrance is 50p for adults, and free for children. Food, refreshments and free parking are available.

Have you got a prized collection of mamorabilia – from the Canaries or on any other favourite subject? Email mark.shields@archant.co.uk