WHEN Virginia Wade lifted the Wimbledon Singles trophy in 1977 she made history.

The tree-times Grand Slam singles winner was the first British champion since Fred Perry had last won it in 1936, and before Andy Murray triumphed in 2012, she was the last.

Now a little bit of the fabric of that historic day has gone under the hammer in Ludlow.

The knickers she wore on that day have sold for £1,600.

Lot 111, described by Church Stretton autioneers Mullocks, which hosted the memorabilia sale at Ludlow Racecourse, as "frilly white tennis panties, Irene Original, La Jolla, style 201, size 8...slightly frayed", they were given a guide price of £300.

Mullocks consultant Ben Jones said the panties were sold to a telephone bidder - it's understand they may form part of a museum collection, but this hasn't been confirmed.

The seller was a tennis fan and aficionado from New Zealand.

Mr Jones said he was delighted with the sale.

Ms Wade, 70, now a television pundit,  enjoyed an illustrious playing career, winning the singles title at Wimbledon in 1977, the US Open in 1968 and the Australian Open in 1972.

She also netted doubles titles at the Australian, French and US Opens in 1973, and the US Open in 1975.