John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr all signed at Buckingham Palace on October 26 1965 for Birmingham fire officer George Goodman, who requested the autographs for his 12-year-old daughter.

But whereas little Joy was a huge fan of the group, her matter-of-fact father bluntly told the musicians: “I don’t know what she sees in you!”

The hilariously honest exchange was noted at a Beatles press conference following the ceremony.

Nearly six decades on, Joy has now decided it’s time to part with the autographs and they go under the hammer with Richard Wintertons Auctioneers at The Lichfield Auction Centre as Lot 174 on Monday, October 9, with an estimate of £3,500 to £4,500.

The Beatles’ award of the MBE and their appointment at Buckingham Palace triggered extensive media coverage on television, radio and in newspapers and the group held a press conference after leaving the palace.

It was there that John Lennon said the band signed autographs ‘for all the people who were waiting to get their MBEs’.

Paul McCartney then added: “They were all nice, you know. But one fellow said: “I want it for my daughter but I don’t know what she sees in you!”

“All dad said was there were lots of people asking The Beatles for autographs so he did too,” said Joy, who accompanied Mr Goodman to the palace with her sister Jill and their mum Doris.

“Telling them like that that the autographs were for me certainly sounds like my dad!

“It wouldn’t be the thing he would normally do, asking for autographs from these long-haired pop stars – he was always smartly dressed and very dignified.

“He showed the Queen great respect at all times and we always listened to her speeches.”

Joy, from Lichfield, Staffs, added: “I had to wear my school uniform on the day, which I wasn't over the moon about.

“But I was the only daughter who went to grammar school so I had to wear the uniform!

“I was a huge fan of The Beatles at the time and I still am, I have always liked them.

“I was never allowed to go to a concert but then I was still very young when they stopped touring in 1966.”

Joy also remembers going to a restaurant in London for lunch after her dad’s appointment at the palace.

“I thought I had lost my wristwatch but the taxi man kindly brought it back to us. Dad offered him money for a drink or something to say thank you and he said ‘no thanks, guv’nor’.

“I was so grateful to the driver and I’ve never forgotten his thoughtfulness.”

Mr Goodman worked in fire safety and ended up as chief fire prevention officer for Birmingham, based in the old fire station on Corporation Street.

He also used to travel to other countries to lecture on fire safety.

Sadly, he passed away the age of 64 just three months before Joy married.

Now 70, she celebrates her golden wedding to husband Dave next year. The couple have two sons.

“I have had the autograph book tucked away for years,” Joy added.

“We’ve recently moved and downsized and I think it is a good time to pass it on to an collector who will appreciate it.”

Rob French, valuer at Richard Winterton Auctioneers, said: “I am very excited with this discovery especially as the provenance is extraordinary.

“To get such good quality signatures of all four Beatles on the same page is very important but I was also so moved by the story itself.

“Hearing it from Joy first-hand you can see how proud she still is of her father.”

The autograph book features in Richard Winterton Auctioneers’ Antiques & Home Sale on October 9, starting at 9.30am at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, WS13 8NF.

The catalogue can be accessed online via our www.richardwinterton.co.uk/auction-dates a week before the sale and viewing in person takes place at The Lichfield Auction Centre on Friday, October 6.

To arrange a telephone bid, book viewing or make an appointment for free valuations of all types of items, call 01543 406124 or email office@richardwinterton.co.uk.

Free home visits for large collections and house clearance quotations are also available.