A tutu worn by one of the world's greatest dancers has gone under the hammer at a Black Country auction.

The garment that adorned ballet legend Dame Alicia Markova during Swan Lake was the star lot at Fieldings Auctioneers' latest event in Stourbridge where it was bought for £2,600 by an online biider.

The auction house had estimated it would sell for £600.

Fieldings uncovered a picture of the Sadler's Wells star in the tutu as she performed as Odette at Covent Garden in 1948.

The satin garment had not been seen since 1959 but was found among a collection of personal items from Dame Alicia's estate.

Auctioneer and valuer Alison Snowdon said: "It is such a lovely thing but very difficult to put a price on. The fact we had a picture of her wearing it makes the item even more special.

"We believe it is the highest price ever paid for a tutu of this stature."

Dame Alicia, who died in 2004, is recognised as ballet's first superstar.

Ms Snowdon said: "She is one of only a tiny elite acknowledged as 'prima ballerina assoluta' and was widely considered to be one of the greatest classical ballet dancers of the 20th century."

Dame Alicia was born Lilian Marks in London on December 1, 1910, and, aged just 14, she joined the Monte Carlo-based Ballets Russes.

In 1931, she was recruited by the newly created Vic-Wells Ballet at Sadler's Wells Theatre.

In 1935, Dame Alicia and Anton Dolin formed their own touring company and began performing around the world, including America. She and Dolin appeared in Hollywood film, A Song for Miss Julie.

Dame Alicia was the target of This Is Your Life, in 1960 and 1995, and, in retirement, was made Professor of Ballet and Performing Arts at the University of Cincinnati.

The sought-after tutu had the acclaimed dancer's name in handwritten ink on the waistband.

It is believed to have been given to the anonymous seller in 1959 while she worked in the wardrobe of the Royal Opera House.

Dame Alicia Markova as Odette in Swan Lake
Dame Alicia Markova as Odette in Swan Lake