A copy of the first American edition of "The House at Pooh corner" by A.A.Milne

A collection of original illustrations of Winnie-the-Pooh and his animal friends by EH Shepard sold for 1.26 million pounds at auction in London on Wednesday, Sotheby's auction house said.

Included in the sale -- worth 1.95 million dollars, or 1.36 million euros -- was one of the most iconic images of the much-loved bear, "He went on tracking, and Piglet... ran after him", which went for more than double its low estimate.

The illustration, showing Pooh walking with Piglet by his side, leaving a trail of footprints behind them, sold for 115,250 pounds, far more than its pre-sale estimate of between 40,000 and 60,000 pounds.

It broke a previous record of 110,000 pounds for a drawing by Shephard, a Royal Academy-trained artist who died in 1976, and who also illustrated classic children's tale "The Wind in the Willows".

Another drawing, "Bump, bump, bump -- going up the stairs", sold for 97,250 pounds, almost double its pre-sale low estimate.

The auction also included limited edition and signed books by author AA Milne, and the first US edition presentation copy of Winnie-the-Pooh, dated 1926, which sold for 39,650 pounds against an estimate of 15,000-20,000 pounds.

Philip Errington, Sotheby's specialist in charge of children's books and original illustrations, said he was "delighted" at the results.

"The public have a strong affection for these drawings and we are thrilled that this significant collection has notably exceeded expectations," he said.

"The interest from around the world in these superb drawings, and the highly competitive bidding from many buyers, has demonstrated the worldwide appeal of Winnie-the-Pooh."