CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A SURVIVING Goldiggers sign saved from the demolished nightclub has been put up for sale to the highest bidder on an internet auction website.

Billed as the last surviving Goldiggers sign and a piece of musical history, the memento was rescued before the nightclub was torn down earlier this year.

Bidders will have to spend more than £500 on website eBay to buy the retro pink neon sign.

Rescued decorated plasterboards from the club which attracted a host of big name bands including The Jam and The Prodigy, will also be auctioned.

Paul Hargreaves of the Preservation of Goldiggers Gaumont (POGG) saved the sign, plasterboard and hundreds of fliers and posters from demolition.

He said: "This is the only sign in existence and it gives people the chance to own a bit of Chippenham history.

"They are just cluttering up my space at home at the moment. I'm not looking to make any money, I'm hoping someone can do something with them.

"Many people have got memories of this place and some even met their future wives there."

The auction began yesterday and will run until May 1. Bidders must register with eBay and meet the reserve price of £500. The sales pitch reads: "Believed to be the only surviving Goldiggers sign from the former Chippenham nightclub.

"This pink neon sign hung above the door for 25 years. It saw acts like The Damned, New Order, Gary Moore, Paul Weller, New Model Army, Slade, Hawkwind and many more.

"Your only chance to win a genuine piece of 20th century music history."

Mr Hargreaves also saved posters and fliers from the nightclub before the bulldozers moved in during January.

He said: "We've got to be careful not to go round knocking any old building down in Chippenham. I have still got the brass door handles and old posters which I am going to keep hold of for my children in years to come."

Developer Churchill Retirement Living is replacing the 1930s art deco structure with flats for the elderly.

A spokesman distanced the firm from buying the memorabilia. She said: "This is a retirement home for respectable people who have been around quite a while and as it will be their own home I don't think they will want to see a pink neon sign there."