The town of Bury was apparently sold on eBay yesterday - for £1.27. It is likely the seller used the pseudo-sale to air discontent at the council's decision to sell an LS Lowry painting, valued at £500,000, to plug a budget shortfall of £4.4m.

The advertisement read: "Bury council has decided to sell the entire borough to raise enough money to balance the books. The Lowry painting is still open to offers. If no sale is agreed ... it will be taken down to the car boot."

Bury council said: "We would like to thank the humorous seller who has decided to publicise our town, of which we are very proud."