A REPLICA of Captain Cook's ship has sold at auction for £110,000.

One of Teesside's most recognisable sights, the replica of Captain James Cook's HM Bark Endeavour was sold to an unknown buyer on Monday, August 28.

Seven parties were believed to have battled to buy the ship when it went under the hammer at the Lincoln-based Unique Auctions., where it had a reserve of £50,000.

Docked in Stockton, the vessel was built as a museum in 1993, costing £2.5m.

Belonging to a private individual, it was not designed to be used at sea but has hosted a number of events over the years and holds a wedding licence.

The new owner, who was present at the auction but wanted to remain anonymous, is said to be from the North-East.

Another of the region's floating attractions, the Teesside Princess, was also sold at the auction.

The vessel, which has been used in recent years to host parties and functions, had a reserve of £80,000 and was sold for £105,000.

A spokesman for Unique Auctions said the auction represented a "rare and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity".

He said: "We are delighted we've sold them.

"They were once in a lifetime and hopefully they are successful wherever they go.

"We are called Unique Auctions and it was a unique product."