Brighton pier put up for sale

Brighton Pier has been placed on the market for the first time in more than 25 years (Getty Images)

One of Britain's most famous seaside attractions, Brighton Pier, has been put up for sale, its owner has disclosed.

The Grade II*-listed landmark has been placed on the market for the first time in more than 25 years.

Its owner, Noble Group, has not revealed a guide price for it but the company handling its sale, GVA Humberts Leisure, said "strong interest" from potential buyers has already been generated.

Noble, which has owned the structure since 1984, has invested some £35 million into the 112-year-old pier, which is also known as the Palace Pier.

David Biesterfield, Noble's development director, said: "Brighton Pier is unique, a dynamic, modern business based on and sustaining our heritage.

"Since 1984, Brighton Pier has re-established itself as one of the UK's leading attractions in one of the country's most popular and forward-looking city resorts."

Brighton Pier is regarded as one of Britain's most visited places, with 18 themed attractions and rides, two amusement arcades and retail and entertainment outlets.

Celebrities such as Greta Garbo, Grace Kelly, Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee have all paid a visit, as have modern-day icons such as The Who and the Arctic Monkeys.

Along the coast in Brighton is another landmark attraction, the Grade I-listed West Pier, which remains a twisted shell after being destroyed by fires and storms.