A PAINTING by Coronation Street legend Pat Phoenix is to go under the auctioneer's hammer.

It is thought the late star, who played Elsie Tanner for more than 20 years, painted it when she was having therapy for cancer.

Auctioneers say it could fetch £500 when it goes on sale this weekend.

Fans of the soap are expected to join private collectors at the Charnock Auction House, Chorley, in making bids.

Auctioneer Phillip Thomas said: "This is such a special item which should attract interest from both private collectors and the general public." Pat, who was 62 when she died of lung cancer in 1986, grew up in Manchester and worked as a filing clerk before she got her break on Coronation Street in 1960. Her character, Elsie Tanner, became known for her fiery red hair and was described by Prime Minister James Callaghan as `the sexiest thing on television'. The painting depicts a tree, with mountains in the background.

It is signed and is authenticated by notes on the back. Also in the sale is a collection of 1960s pop memorabilia.

Other lots include original ticket stubs for concerts by The Beatles and Gerry and the Pacemakers.

The auction will be held at 10.30am on Sunday.

The painting can be viewed at 9am or at charnockauctions.com.