Gibb guitar expected to fetch thousands

Bee Gee's instrument under hammer

A hitmaking guitar owned by Maurice Gibb will go under the hammer next month.

The Manxman used the Gibson J45 acoustic to write the Bee Gee's breakthrough hit Jive Talkin' in 1975.

That song's success led to them being offered the chance to contribute to the soundtrack of the hit film Saturday Night Fever, which made them international superstars.

Maurice, who died in 2003 aged 53, is said to have written the song after driving across a bridge in Florida and hearing the rhythm of tyres on the road surface.

The guitar will be sold at Wiltshire auctioneers Gardiner Houlgate next month.

Also in the auction is the guitar played by George Harrison in The Beatles' final appearance at the Cavern Club.