An original illustration for the cover of one of the early Asterix comic books has sold for a record €1.4m (£1.25m) at auction , more than seven times its expected price, an auction house announced.

The drawing for Asterix and the Banquet (Le Tour de Gaul in French), signed by the creators of the legendary series, Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny, was sold by the Drouot auction house in Paris on Friday.

The story, first published as an album in 1965, recounts the adventures of shrewd Gallic hero Asterix and his rotund sidekick Obelix as they travel around France collecting local delicacies and wine.

It had been expected to sell for between €180,000 and €200,000, a statement from Drouot said.

Another cover illustration for the Asterix and the Chieftain’s Shield volume sold for €1.2 million.

The famed Asterix characters are set to return next week with the publication of the 37th book in the series. Asterix and the Chariot Race, set in ancient Italy.