The original neon ‘P’ from the iconic Palace Pier sign has been sold on eBay.

Nick Morgan, from Hove, has parted with his beloved piece of Brighton memorabilia so he can afford to travel to Thailand to see a friend.

The 116-year-old Grade II listed structure is still known to many city residents as the Palace Pier – despite the sign being changed in 2000 to its now official name: Brighton Pier.

However, the name change is not recognised by the National Piers Society.

The 46-year-old got his hands on the famous P after it was refurbished by sign specialist Fishtail Neon seven years ago.

Mr Morgan, from Westbourne Grove, described the item as a “truly one-of-a-kind piece”.

He said: “I cycled by the shop and I saw it in the window and that was it.

“It is a little piece of history, it looks absolutely fantastic.

“I am going to Thailand for two weeks to see a friend and the sale of the P should pay for the trip.”

Mr Morgan moved to Brighton just over a decade ago – but he has family connections to the city, with his great great grandmother having been the first female taxi driver.

He added: “You can tell it is the P from the word Palace as it is enormous and the way it is arched.

“I originally had it in my office just down from Hove Train Station, but since I moved into this flat it has been resting up against the wall as the wall in the flat is not strong enough to hang it from.

“It really is a show stopper.”

The neon sculpture is approximately five foot tall and has been fully restored featuring working dimmable fairground lights.

The sign sold on eBay for £1,500.