An original script from The Two Ronnies said to be inspired by a visit to Broadstairs could fetch up to £40,000 when it goes under the hammer later this month.

The lot, from the famous Fork Handles sketch, is a single sheet written in red ink by Ronnie Barker using his pseudonym name Gerald Wiley.

It was first broadcast in September 1976.

The comedian is said to have been inspired to write the sketch on a visit to the town to see Ronnie Corbett.

Corbett had a holiday home in York Street, just along from H.E. Harrington’s general ironmongers, and the shop gave Barker an idea which he then developed into one of the Two Ronnies’ most famous sketches.

Consultant for Hansons Auctioneers and TV antiques expert Marc Allum said: “I saw the script in 2006 and filmed it for the Antiques Roadshow at Carters Steam Fair in North London. It was then subsequently shown to Ronnie Corbett who confirmed its authenticity.

“On the daywhen I filmed it I was completely amazed.

"To hold Ronnie Barker’s handwritten script for one of the most iconic comedy sketches in history was beyond words.”

Jim Spencer, manuscripts expert at Hansons Auctioneers, added: "It is an honour to handle and catalogue such an important archive.

The Fork Handles sketch is one of the greatest, most memorable, most iconic comedy sketches of all time.

“It's as familiar as Del Boy falling through the bar, or Basil Fawlty saying ‘Don't mention the war’.

"Reading the script, I couldn't help chuckling aloud, the characteristic wordplay and comic use of homophones coming to life on the page - confusing hoes with pantyhose, or recommending ointment for saw-tips.

“This ink on paper is the conception of something that has raised millions of smiles and continues to entertain people to this day.

"I told a friend I’d catalogued this script, and he said, ‘I was watching that last night!’. That's how familiar and famous this work is.”

Ronnie Barker’s original Fork Candles script will be sold at Hansons Auctioneers, in Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, on Wednesday, December 20 with an estimate of £30,000-£40,000.

The lot includes a pair of spectacles used in The Two Ronnies with a letter signed by Ronnie Barker, an authentication certificate and a colour print of the Fork Handles sketch signed by Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett.

Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “Observational comedy is all the rage today but The Two Ronnieswere masters of it decades ago.

“When the late Ronnie Corbett authenticated the script, he noted that while it was unusual for Barker to write in red ink, it was undoubtedly his handwriting.

“Corbett surmised that the script may have been donated to a charity fundraiser, as Barker, being uncomfortable with appearing in public, would often donate an item to charity rather than appear in person.”