Peter Mayhew’s Star Wars collection returned to his widow by auctioneer

Peter Mayhew and Harrison Ford attending the Star Wars: The Force Awakens European Premiere (Anthony Devlin/PA)

An auction house has donated a collection of Star Wars memorabilia previously owned by Chewbacca star Peter Mayhew to the actor’s widow after she issued a public plea.

Ryedale Auctioneers, based in Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, acquired the pieces from an elderly couple who discovered them in their attic nearly 25 years after moving into the property.