It might be one of the best-loved pubs on the planet - but no-one had enough money to buy it.

The Woolpack - the historic Emmerdale pub - was by far the tastiest lot going under the hammer in the Banqueting Suite at the Elland Road football ground.

But while tiny terraces went to the property bargain hunters "cheap as chips" -- (for £9,000) - Seth's local stayed unsold.

Esholt's most famous landmark was first up out of the 38 lots for auction and hopes were high the fame factor would attract a good price.

Just after 2pm auctioneer Tony Webber, pictured, got to his feet to announce " a rather interesting lot which has attracted some publicity.....to say the least."

Everyone in the room nodded in recognition as the pub with the massive 'aaah' factor was flashed up on a screen behind him.

Then it all went quiet and the tension started to rise as the 170-year-old alehouse - scene of so many famous soap episodes - went up for grabs.

The auctioneer started looking for bids at £450,000 - the guide price - then dropped down to £400,000 rapidly as there was not a single flutter of interest. The signs weren't looking good.

"Where do you want to start?" he asked the 200-strong army of bidders.

Then he dropped to £370,000 with the invitation of "Is that enough to bring you in" - and it was.

Two rival bidders started edging it up between them to an eventual £385,000.

You half-imagined telly's saleroom superstar David Dickinson with his arms chummily around two Council officials willing the price up under their breath.

Mr Webber tried to get it to £386,000. But no takers.

Another sweep around the room and he brought down the gavel. For a second it seemed as though Bradford Council was £385,000 richer - its most famous council house sold..

But it was not be.

With a sad shake of his head Mr Webber announced the only real pub used in a soap had not made its reserve price and was being withdrawn.

Now the decision goes back to the Council to see if it wants to lower the asking price for one of its prize assets. It gets £25,000 rent a year as it is and does not want to off-load it cheaply.

The well-dressed, well-spoken mystery man from Huddersfield who made the £385,000 bid left straight away, refusing to comment, but hinting he hadn't given up quite yet.

"I shall be speaking with the auctioneers," he said, and was then driven away from the football stadium in a black BMW.

Afterwards Mr Webber admitted the early indicators had not been that good before the sale.

"There was limited interest in the property during the build-up that suggested it wasn't going to sell.

"This can be put down to the fact that investors want high returns on any property they buy.

"And the Woolpack, with its high reserve price and contracted tenant, simply didn't offer this kind of return."

He also said that the Council regarded the pub as "part of the family silver" and did not want it to go for a price that did not match the valuation figure.

So, for now, Bradford Council still owns a pub and a legendary piece of soap history.

After the auction, a Bradford Council asset management spokesman said: "We are still optimistic that a sale will be achieved. Negotiations in that regard will be conducted on our behalf by the auctioneers, in accordance with the sale agreement between us."