MARILYN MONROE fans are gearing up for a bidding frenzy over photos from the legend's last fashion shoot.

The set of 10 images were captured less than a month before Monroe's tragic death from a drug overdose in 1962, at the age of 36.

They were unearthed by IAN REID, a retired photo lab worker, who was originally given them by the SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959) star's ex-husband JOE DIMAGGIO.

Reid put the prints away and ignored them for 19 years, before deciding to put them up for auction. Of his decision to sell the photos, Mr Reid, 75, says, "I'm retired, and I could use the money. "

The set, which is to be sold on the internet, has a $50,000 (£35,000) reserve, but are expected to make much more.

Reid adds, "I really can't say why DiMaggio gave them to me - never asked him why. He was a lonely guy with a lot of friends who were really acquaintances, if you know what I mean. I was one of those acquaintances. "

The unique snaps were taken by photographer BERT STERN during a three-day shoot for VOGUE fashion magazine, at the HOTEL BEL-AIR in Los Angeles' Beverly Hills, in July 1962. (KW/WNWCAN/IG)

Source: WENN