Robbie Williams paid £20,000 for Eric Morecambe’s glasses

The singer Robbie Williams has revealed he cried “happy, childlike tears” after making the winning bid for comedy legend Eric Morecambe’s glasses and pipe at auction.

A lifetime of showbiz memorabilia and personal items from the comedian’s former home, Brachefield in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, were sold in January.

The imitation tortoiseshell Metzler glasses and pipe went for far in excess of their £2,000 to £4,000 estimate – fetching £20,000.

In a post on social media, Williams said he treated himself to the items ahead of his 51st birthday.