An iconic Lowry painting, depicting Blackpool Pleasure Beach has been sold for £1.4m.

The Fairground (pictured), which the Salford born artist produced in 1938, was sold at Sotheby's to a private collector, although the work is expected to stay in the UK.

The scarcity of Lowry's on the market led to a bidding war between several collectors, with the piece eventually selling for £1.42m.

A Sotheby's spokesman, said: "In choosing to record the scene, he has provided not only a fascinating record of Blackpool Pleasure Beach in the 1930s, but also an intriguing insight into how little has changed."

The buyer has declared a wish to remain anonymous.