A lighthouse on the Welsh coastline which went up for sale for just �1 has attracted worldwide interest despite hidden restoration costs of �100,000.

Telephone lines to Llanelli's Millennium Coastal Park, which owns the lighthouse, were jammed after the 100-year-old cast iron lighthouse went on sale last week.

Project director Gerry Phillips said one American millionnaire even wanted to dismantle the 130ft high structure and ship it to the USA.

Renovation

But the coastal park has struck a deal with a TV company to renovate the lighthouse - subject to the agreement of the management board.

The partnership includes an international engineering consultancy, paint supplier, cast-iron foundry and Channel Four's Big Breakfast Show.

A telecommunications company has offered to put equipment inside the structure, once restored.

The MCP hopes to donate the building to the National Trust once the work is complete.

The lighthouse at Whiteford Point was offered for sale in a bid to save it from crumbling into the sea.

Listed as an ancient monument, it was formerly used for bomb practice during World War II.

Empty

A detailed survey will be required to discover if there are any unexploded bombs at the base of the lighthouse.

It was last in commission in 1926 and has lain empty since.

It features only one room and no running water and would not be suited for living in, explained Gerald Phillips from Millennium Coastal Park.

"It cannot be a lighthouse again," said Mr Phillips.

"Its function would be purely as a structure. I have had telephone calls from people wanting to live there, but that really is not on."