The eight-wheel Foden truck was still in its box

Mick Stockings, 69, from Norfolk, used his weekly sixpence pocket money to build his collection, still in its original boxes in almost-new condition.

A model Foden truck which cost 10 shillings (50p) fetched �900 as dealers and collectors vied for the toy.

"It's absolutely unbelievable. In my wildest dreams I never thought we'd get �900 for a Dinky," he said.

Kept in a cupboard

"I used to play with them in the sitting room - I wasn't allowed to play with them outside.

"They had to be packed up in their boxes, neatly in a drawer in a cupboard so I knew exactly where they were - and they had to be looked after."

For years the collection has been tucked away in another cupboard.

"I am nearly 70 and they are in the cupboard. No-one else is enjoying them and there are people who can get far more pleasure from them than I can.

"It seemed to be a good idea to pass them on while I'm still here," he said.

Mr Stockings was not revealing how much the collection raised - but he did say he was thinking of taking his wife on a luxury holiday.