The pier pavilion was opened in 1900

The Grade II listed Victoria Pier in Colwyn Bay, north Wales, attracted a top bid of �135,100 after 10 days on offer, but failed to reach the reserve price set by owners Mike and Ann Paxman.

The couple have not revealed how much they would be willing to accept, but have confirmed that they are still talking to potential buyers, and are confident of a sale.

"I feel sure the pier will have a good future," Mr Paxman said on Thursday.

Bidding on the auction site eBay closed at 1242 BST.

The Paxmans decided to sell the century-old pier as their attempts to turn it into a major tourist attraction were causing too much stress.

The couple chose to try selling it over an internet auction site because they had failed to get enough interest via conventional methods.

The pier has been partly redeveloped, but more work is needed

More than 11,000 people clicked on to the page, with interest from as far afield as Asia and America.

Although the 57-year-old property developer and marine engineer and his wife have overhauled the once-derelict structure, the Grade II listed pier is in need of extensive restoration work.

The couple had hoped to transform it into a casino and tourist attraction, but had problems complying with modern safety regulations within their budget.

Chair of the Friends of Colwyn Bay Pier, Chris Hughes, said they were looking forward to a new owner taking on the redevelopment.

"Our aim is to see the pier regenerated," he said.

An historic pier which was auctioned over the internet has failed to find a new owner. "There is so much nostalgia related to it. Colwyn Bay has grown up around the pier."

The pier is one of the few iron-built seaside structures remaining around the coast of the UK.

It has been rebuilt three times during its life.

A wartime refuge to wounded troops, in the second half of the last century it was an entertainment venue and amusement arcade.

"Whoever buys it will have their work cut out," said Mr Hughes.

"We estimate it will take �750,000 to bring it up to scratch."

Conwy council's cabinet has already agreed a �25,000 feasibility redevelopment study for the pier.