It was the perfect big car to help a happy couple's big day go smoothly.

But after years of faithful service, one of the most familiar vehicles to drive the streets of Brighton and Hove is going under the hammer at auction.

The 1962 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost was originally bought and used by the chairman of Hanningtons, the hugely popular department store regarded as the city's version of Harrods until it closed two years ago.

Charles Draycott would often be seen inside the huge luxury vehicle before he passed it on to the store's wedding hire service.

This gave hundreds of ordinary people the chance to be treated like royalty, even if it was just for one day.

The car was then given to Mr Draycott's grandson, also called Charles, who sold it on before he emigrated to Canada.

Knowing the proud history of the vehicle, his friend Peter Burdett stepped in with an unusual offer - but one Mr Draycott couldn't refuse.

"I said I'd swap a necklace made from South Sea pearls for his car," said the retired antiques dealer, who lives in Tongdean Road, Hove.

"I wanted it because it is one of the most historic vehicles that has ever been driven around Brighton. I used to run a shop on Prince Albert Street in the Lanes and we would see it go buy almost every day."

Mr Burdett decided to sell the Rolls when he could no longer keep it safe in his garage.

He said: "It's a beautiful car and holds thousands of happy memories for the many people who used it on their wedding day.

"I would love someone from Brighton and Hove to buy it, someone who would appreciate its history. If the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery could go for it that would be perfect."

The car is being sold at Coys of Kensington on December 4 and will go under the hammer alongside comedian Ernie Wise's Rolls, which has the registration number EW 100.

The auctioneers are confident the Hanningtons Rolls will fetch the predicted price of about £14,000 as it not only has a rich and interesting past, it is a very good example of this classic make of car.

The Silver Cloud II of 1960 was the first Rolls-Royce to use the alloy V8 engine. This type is particularly sought-after as it is the only V8-engined, cloud shape Rolls-Royce to feature single headlamps, giving a more classical frontal appearance than the later Silver Cloud III.

The auction takes place Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster.

For more information, call Edward Bridger-Stille at Coys on 0207 584 7444 during office hours.

Do you have special memories of the Hanningtons Rolls-Royce? If so, give The Argus news desk a ring on 01273 544517.