The framed image of Jackson wearing a gold and silver outfit will be auctioned off at the annual Myton Hospice summer fair next week.

Rob Taylor of John Taylor Funeral Service in Leamington is organising the auction and managed to secure the authenticated shot from an autograph company.

He said: "I normally try and get some memorabilia for the auction, but thought there would be no chance of getting hold of a signed photograph of Michael Jackson.

"I contacted them on Monday and it arrived in the country from America on Wednesday. It's fantastic and I'm hoping it will generate lots of interest."

Memorabilia associated with the 50-year-old King of Pop has increased in value since his death and Mr Taylor believes the framed 11in by 14in photograph, signed in silver pen, will attract some high bids.

He said: "It's a fantastic photo and it would be great to get lots of Michael Jackson fans at the auction to help us raise as much money as we can for Myton.

"I'm expecting it to go for between £1,000 and £2,000."

A number of other signed items will be sold at the auction including a framed Queen's greatest hits album and photographs of Cristiano Ronaldo, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Sir Alex Ferguson.

Tennis fans will be able to bid for a shirt signed by Wimbledon competitor Andy Murray and another lot is a framed boxing glove signed by five top fighters including Muhammad Ali.

Other lots will include a week in a villa in Alicante and family days out.

All signed items will come with a certificate of authentication.

Mr Taylor added: "The auction made £1,800 last year, which was absolutely phenomenal.

"There is something for everyone and I hope we will do well this time around."

The fair will take place in the hospice grounds off Myton Road from 12.30pm. The auction is expected to start at around 1pm.

The photograph will on display at a coffee morning at the John Taylor office in Warwick Road, Kenilworth on Wednesday morning.