Ena Sharples' hairnets were a feature of the Street for 20 years

Ena, played by the late Violet Carson, appeared in the first episode of the Manchester-based TV soap in 1960, and remained on the street for 20 years.

The actress gave one of Ena's trademark hairnets to a woman from St Austell, Cornwall, in thanks for a birthday card in 1976.

Twenty seven years on, it went under the hammer at a sale in Laddock, near Truro.

Auctioneer Philip Buddell said: "There was good bidding for it but it was more to do with its fascination than desirability.

"We only got �50 which is probably what it is worth."

The local buyer wished to remain anonymous.

A second hairnet given by Violet Carson to a female Corrie fan from Delabole in north Cornwall 30 years ago failed to attract any offers from 150 potential buyers.

Mr Buddell said Corrie fans who missed out on the sale would have a chance to buy the second hairnet at a future auction.