A BIZARRE selection of Kray twins memorabilia is to be auctioned in Leominster next month.

The items, which include letters, poems, paintings and photographs, were collected by Doncaster schoolboy Brad Lane, who became obsessed with East End gangster Reggie Kray when his father deserted the family in the 1980s.

Brad wrote to Reggie in Gartree Prison in 1988 and the two were soon corresponding daily. Personal meetings followed and the two became so devoted that 12-year-old Brad changed his surname to Kray by deed poll. In return, 57-year-old Reggie declared Brad to be his adopted son and kept a photo of the boy on his prison cell wall inscribed: “To the best dad in the world from the best son in the world.”

Both Reggie and his twin Ronnie showered Brad with gifts, many of which are in the sale at Brightwells.

These include poems and paintings by the twins, signed books, photographs, audio cassettes and videos. There are also portable radios used by Reggie in jail, a nine-carat gold crucifix, a Cartier watch, Zippo lighter, dollar coins and buddhas.

Ronnie died of a heart attack in Broadmoor in 1995 and the sale includes several photographs of his funeral and six Order of Service cards, each signed “God bless, Reg Kray”.

Reggie was released from prison on compassionate grounds in August 2000, just weeks before his death from cancer. Brad himself died young, which is why all the items have ended up being offered by Brightwells.

The sale is on Wednesday, May 13, at Brightwells’ Easters Court premises in Leominster, with viewing from 9am to 5pm on the day before the sale.