A NORTH-EAST mansion has been sold to an anonymous buyer for more than £2.5m.

But it has been revealed that former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney and fellow rock legend Eric Clapton are not the buyers.

The pair were reputed to have been interested in Wycliffe Hall, which lies between Darlington and Barnard Castle, in County Durham.

The property, situated in countryside on the banks of the River Tees, has been bought by an unnamed businessman from the North-East.

Darlington chartered surveyors Smiths Gore said the property was bought last week.

Philip Coles, who was involved in the sale, said: "Wycliffe Hall has been sold and contracted.

"We received offers in excess of £2.5m, and it has been sold to a local buyer whose identity we are unable to reveal at their request. We also cannot reveal the price that was paid.

"However, I can confirm that the buyer was not Sir Paul McCartney or Eric Clapton."

Wycliffe Hall, which is a grade II listed building, is believed to have attracted international interest since it went on the market in May.

The hall boasts a ballroom, seven reception rooms, kitchen and library. It also has two cottages and 400 metres of the River Tees, with fishing rights included.

Other outdoor attractions include a deer park, parkland, extensive woods and formal gardens.

Eric Clapton was the first celebrity rumoured to be interested in buying the property and there were then reports that Sir Paul McCartney had also set his sights on it.