AN autograph-hunter from Asturias has amassed over 9,000 photographs and signatures of celebrities.

Ander Azcárate, 35, started his collection in 1986 and now has the autographs of Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan, Nelson Mandela, golfer Severiano Ballesteros, and Princess Letizia.

He says he hopes one day to have the autograph of 'one of the Popes', although failed to obtain John Paul II's signature.

Another holy grail, says Ander, is the autograph and photo of newly-sworn in US president Barack Obama.

The Oviedo man has travelled all over Spain, aiming for places where celebrities were due to be hanging out.

In his home city, the Prince of Asturias Prize Awards allowed him to add to his collection, which is carefully filed away in albums with the photographs next to the signatures – a hobby that takes up most of Ander's day.

Ander says he has a 'good relationship' with some of Asturias' top hotels and restaurants, where he collects autographs when celebrities visit.