Newly released images from the BBC's archive have brought the golden days of Monty Python back to life

 The restored images have been released to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Flying Circus sketch show

 Documents reveal that despite the show's acclaim, it's conception divided opinions of staff at the BBC

A newly unearthed archive of Monty Python material has been released celebrating 50 years of the comedy troupe.

The six-strong group made their first appearance on the BBC on October 5 1969 and went on to have global success with their often surreal comedy.

Photos and documents from the BBC archive, covering the early days of Python, have been restored.