The collection of picture editor John Halsall will be auctioned off at Duke's in Dorchester

The collection of veteran picture editor John Halsall features images of the likes of Marc Bolan, David Cassidy, Kate Bush, Cat Stevens, The Jam and David Attenborough and altogether is expected to sell for up to £30,000.

But there's something for every budget, as the collection has been split into several lots.

The images are being sold with full rights, meaning the buyer can reproduce them for distribution.

Matthew Denney, valuer and auctioneer at Duke's, where the collection is being sold, said it is a 'very interesting' collection.

He added: "We are very pleased to be handling these historic images of some of the great pop icons of the 20th Century.

"The images show these people in a relaxed, informal setting, and it is absolutely fascinating to think the photographers has such close access."

The images were accumulated by Mr Halsall in the 1960s and 1970s. Some are rare and previously unseen, and many have been in storage for more than 50 years.

The photographs were taken for press purposes by photographers sent out on assignment, so alongside the main images are contact sheets full of outtakes catching previously unseen, candid moments of the stars. 

These photographers had unparalleled access to their subject, resulting in a variety of relaxed, casual outtakes alongside press quality images. 

As well as musical icons, they feature television shows such as Oh Boy!, Morecambe and Wise, Coronation Street and Baywatch.

Festival photos - some backstage and atmosphere shots as well as live - are  also among the collection, including Hyde Park 1970, Bath Festival, Knebworth, the Richmond Jazz and Blues Festivals are just a few. Pictures of Donovan, Bo Diddley, The Who, Dusty Springfield, Frank Zappa, Led Zeppelin and Jerry Lee Lewis.

The collection will go on sale at 10am on Thursday, April 13 and the images can be viewed at Duke's between 10am and 5pm on Tuesday, 11 and Wednesday, 12.