A piece of Huddersfield history is on its way to Northern Ireland.

A Standard Firework sign featuring its famous “guy” went under the hammer at Colne Valley Auctions in Slaithwaite today (SUN) – and the successful bidder was a Belfast man who paid £480 for it.

Auctioneer Collin (correct) Hufton said: “I don’t know what the connection is with Belfast, but he phoned up last week after seeing it online and put in a commission bid. There was quite a bit of interest, but only one bidder in the room.”

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Mr Hufton said the sign is believed to date back to the early 20th century and was probably displayed at the entrance to Standard’s 100-acre site at Crosland Hill.

The firm was founded in 1891 and opened its factory at Crosland Hill in 1910. China-based Black Cat Fireworks bought the firm in 1998 and all manufacture switched to China. The site in Huddersfield remains the UK headquarters.