A vintage wedding dress that went viral after being donated to a charity shop with a note from the mystery male donor has sold for almost £3,000.

The unnamed benefactor gave the beautiful white 1950’s dress to a charity shop with a note about the “happy years” he shared with the bride who wore it.
The message poignantly added: “I wish any lady who takes this dress to have a life with her loved one, 56 years, like I did. Happy years.
“I was a lucky man to marry a lady like mine.”
St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds, West Yorks., where the dress was handed in, tracked down the besotted hubby – who wished to remain anonymous when he was found.
But after going on sale on the hospice’s eBay page, the dress sold June 19 for £2,910.
Nicola Woodgate, communications manager at the hospice, said: “The response was phenomenal.
“We received enquiries from the USA, Australia and Hong Kong.
“After a media appeal, we eventually tracked down the kind gentleman who donated the gown.
“He wishes to remain anonymous but he’s absolutely thrilled with the reaction and is overwhelmed that his special donation received global acclaim.”
She added: “‘It’s been an amazing couple of weeks for St Gemma’s Hospice.
“The money raised will be put to very good use providing expert care for terminally ill patients and their families.”
It is understood the vintage wedding dress was sold to a buyer within the UK.