One of the most treasured puppets from television is to be sold at auction later this month as its current owner reveals the emotional reason on why it’s "time to find it a new home."

Sooty puppet was previously owned by stagehand Brian Isaacs who worked on the popular children’s show.

He was also a set builder in the entertainment industry from the late 1960s through to the 1980s.

According to PA news agency, Brian “begged” officials on The Sooty Show to allow him to take the glove puppet home for his son Lee Kent, now 46, who was a fan of the show.

Epping Forest Guardian: The Sooty Show was created by Harry Corbett and produced for the BBC from 1955 to 1967, and then for ITV from 1968 until 1992The Sooty Show was created by Harry Corbett and produced for the BBC from 1955 to 1967, and then for ITV from 1968 until 1992 (Image: PA)

Lee, who is a security worker from Surbiton, south-west London, is hoping the puppet will go to a good home when it goes up for sale, as he still remembers his “father acting silly with Sooty” to make him and his brother Graham laugh.

Lee explained: “I’ve always treasured Sooty and kept him in a safe place. He’s been a talking point for many years but now I have no family left.

“My parents have passed away and, sadly I recently lost my brother. I have no children and have had health issues myself so feel it’s time Sooty found a home where he can be cherished and loved by someone who will appreciate him and his connection to one of the most famous children’s shows in TV history.”

His father met many entertainers when he worked for Thames Television for more than 20 years on the sets.

Lee said: “I have pictures of him with Ernie Wise, Tom O’Connor, Des O’Connor and Frankie Vaughan among other celebrities, but not, unfortunately, Harry or Matthew Corbett.”

He added: “I was only about three when dad bought Sooty home in 1979 or 1980. At the time my family lived in Carshalton, south London, near the Thames studios.

“Dad told me Sooty was old and had been used in the TV show. I am not sure whether our Sooty was used by Harry or Matthew Corbett but Matthew would have been presenting the show at the time.

“When I was young dad used to play with Sooty to entertain me and my brother, Graham. It still brings a smile to my face when I think of my father acting silly with Sooty.”

When will Sooty puppet be going on sale at auction in 2023?

The famous little yellow bear who appeared on TV with his friends Sweep and Soo, will be going up for auction on Monday, July 17 and it reportedly has a £400-£600 estimate at the Hansons Auctioneers’ sale.

A 1950s original Sooty puppet used by Harry Corbett set a world record auction price when it sold for £14,500, with buyer’s premium, at Hansons in 2018, the auctioneers said.

Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons, said: “This touching story of a loving dad begging a Sooty from the TV set where he worked to delight his sons reminds me of why Sooty was invented in the first place.

“Harry Corbett famously bought the first Sooty puppet on Blackpool’s North Pier for seven shillings and six pence in 1948 to entertain his children.

“The little bear has brought joy to millions of youngsters ever since.”

He added: “The nation’s love for the little yellow bear with a sooty nose and paws never seems to dim.”