BEATLEMANIA hit East Lancashire big time as hundreds flocked to an exhibition reliving the day of Nelson's Imperial Ballroom.

And there was no shortage of memorabilia at the Silverman Hall, Nelson, for the organisers, Lancashire-based Tracks, to value and buy.

Keith Hollin, 54, of Whalley parted with his copy of the Beatles' White Album, number 88 off the production run. And he went home with a cool £950.

He said: "I bought the record in 1967 at Mary's Music Shop in Accrington but I have only played it about ten times because I didn't like it. It has been up in the attic since then. I heard someone in the States paid $5,000 for number 258 of the White Album so I knew it was worth quite a bit.

"I also brought along a Sgt Pepper album but they said that was only worth about £20 so I am keeping it - I prefer to listen to it anyway."

Imp regulars Jennifer Banks, of Sutton, and her sister-in-law Susan Driver, of Colne, brought along autograph albums stacked full of 60s celebrities and a guitar strap from Roy Orbison which was valued at more than £500.

Jennifer said: "We used to come to the Imp every week because they used to run a coach from Keighley on a Saturday night.

"I missed the Beatles but I have seen just about everyone else. The autographs were just what I collected when I was young and silly but they reckoned the Roy Orbison and Gene Vincent would be worth about £200 to £300 and gave valuations on all the rest." Susan added: "They used to have settees right at the front next to the stage and we would reserve them every week."

Dedicated autograph collector Jim Parker has spent thousands on his hobby and brought along some of his prized possessions including a Paul McCartney and George Harrison which cost him £500 and a John Lennon at £450.

Jim, 38, of Burnley, said: "My bedroom at home is covered in autographs. I just wanted to find out if they had gone up in value. I won't be parting with them though. Although I was too young to see the Beatles I have always liked the music from the 50s and 60s. I collect autographs because it is like having a part of them."

A box collection of Let It Be, Get Back and a book was Chris Allen's prized possession and had it been in mint condition would have realised about £300.

Chris, of Oswaldtwistle, was a 60s baby and grew up with Beatles music. He brought along about 40 albums and singles. He said: "They weren't in perfect condition but if they were I wouldn't have had the pleasure in listening to them."

Valuers Roger Wane said: "It is difficult to gauge how successful the event has been on the day because it is in the following weeks that people often come back to us once they have received the valuation.

"We did buy the White Album which was one of the nicest things we found and we are negotiating with another customer for ten wrestling posters."

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