A 135-year-old French doll with striking blue eyes has been sold for £17,000 at auction.

The Bru antique named Helene Alicia had a pre-sale estimate of £6,000-£8,000, but eager bidders meant the sale did much better.

Vectis auction house in Thornaby, Teesside, said telephone bidders and collectors following the sale on internet feeds showed great interest in the doll.

Two collectors made £10,000 commission bids prior to the sale, Vectis said.

"The bidding eventually settled with two telephone bidders eager to outbid the other, and with a final bid of £17,000, including Buyer's Premium, the winning bidder was extremely happy to be the new owner of this magnificent 19th Century French doll," a spokeswoman said.

The 41cm tall Bru doll was described as having "bulbous blue paperweight eyes- darker rims to the iris" and pierced ears.

The doll had painted wood legs, wore her original shoes and socks, a blue and red silk lace trimmed dress and cotton underwear.