An original cover illustration of an early Asterix comic book has sold for a record €1.4 million (£1.25million) at a Paris auction, more than seven times its expected price.

The drawing for "Asterix and the Banquet" (Le Tour de Gaule in French), signed by the creators of the legendary series, Albert Uderzo and Rene Goscinny, was sold by the Drouot auction house.

The story, first published as an album in 1965, recounts the travels of the indomitable Gallic hero Asterix and his rotund sidekick Obelix as they travel around France sampling local delicacies and wines.

It had been expected to fetch €180,000-200,000 euros based on previous sales, but collectors proved willing to pay far more, the auction house said.

Another cover illustration for "Asterix and the Chieftain's Shield" went for €1.2 million, also far higher than predicted.

The Asterix and the Banquet drawing has a handwritten dedication to Pierre Tchernia, a prominent cinema and TV producer nicknamed “Monsieur Cinéma”, who died last year. Parts of his collection of art and drawings are now being sold.