Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich has paid a world record £285,000 for an EXCLUSIVE number plate belonging to the former Pope.

VIP 1 was the plate on Pope John Paul II's Popemobile during his visit to Ireland in 1979.

Mr Abramovich, the high-profile owner of Chelsea FC bought the plate from plate experts New Reg, of Preston in Lancashire.

The previous world record price paid for a number plate - £258,000 - paid for 'GS1' last year.

The record sum paid for a British number plate is £253,968 - for 51 NGH - which was auctioned by the DVLA in April.

Need help finding your new reg? Visit newreg.com.