A PRESTON antique dealer called Beck is not only the namesake of England's favourite footballer -- he is also the proud owner of David Beckham's World Cup qualifying boots.

Brian Beck, 56, manages European Fine Arts and Antiques in Cannon Street, Preston, which he bought four years ago to display and sell his collection of treasures -- which includes a pair of signed football boots worn by 'Golden Balls' himself.

They are the size eights he scored a goal with, from a free kick against Greece in the qualifying World Cup match.

The boots will be on display on Sunday June 23 at St Catherine's Hospice, Lostock Hall along with George Formby's old motorbike which Brian also owns.

Following in his parents' footsteps, Brian has been in the antique business for more than 35 years and makes regular trips to Southeby's, Christy's and Bonham's auctions in London. He also jets off to Paris to buy Louis XIV and Louis XV furniture and for contemporary art he favours Greece.

It was on his doorstep that he really struck gold though. When Brian moved into his shop which he bought from Mr Neville Tudor Thomas who ran an opticians there, he discovered a rusty old bike in the basement.

"Neville was a friend of George Formby and it was common for him to pop in to the shop to get his eyes tested while having his bikes fixed at Jones the motorbike shop around the corner.

"Neville confirmed it was George's bike and after a good clean and renovation work we discovered it was a 1924 model B Ner-a-car -- a fun bike designed by a New Yorker, with a Blackburn engine."

The boots were bought at a charity auction at Preston Football Museum and cost £1,500 which Brian believes was a snip having learnt that pop singer Mick Hucknall and television chef Jamie Oliver both payed £27,000 for a pair at the Beckingham Palace 'do'.

"I am in a position to give a little back and I have had one or two relations who have passed away with care and dignity at St Catherine's. It's a local and deserving charity and around the corner from my house," said Brian.