Coronation St cat Frisky's ashes go for big price

The ashes of a cat who starred in the titles of Coronation Street for a decade fetched more than £800 at auction - around five times their estimate.

Frisky was seen at the starting sequence of more than 1,000 episodes of the TV soap, crouching on the roof of Jack Duckworth's pigeon loft.

The beloved pet's ashes, sealed in a wooden casket with a brass plaque, were expected to fetch up to £150 when they went under the hammer. But furious bidding by Coronation Street fans saw the hammer price rocket to £700 - and with buyer's premium added the final price paid was £844.

A spokeswoman for Dominic Winter Auctioneers in Gloucestershire said the remains were sold to a private bidder.

Frisky's owner John Rimington, who put his pet's remains up for auction in South Cerney, said previously: "Frisky was not only a much-loved family pet, but also captured the heart of the nation and made thousands of pounds for charities. We were very proud to be his owners and we are keen to keep his memory alive."

The tabby was hired in 1990 after beating 5,000 other cats to the role.

He raised money for charity through numerous personal appearances until his death in 2000 at the age of 14.

The lot also included a cremation certificate and postcards of Frisky with other stars of Weatherfield, and formed part of a wider auction of antiques and collectibles.

Chris Albury, of Dominic Winter Auctioneers, said previously: "Not only was Frisky one of the most recognised cats in the country for over a decade, but he also became synonymous with one of the nation's favourite soaps."

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