Orange squash can be added at no extra charge

The highest bid, on Thursday morning, stood at �117, with more than 9,000 people logging on to have a peek.

The auction has spawned a host of copy cat selllers on the site, from across the UK.

All proceeds from the Bristol auction, which ends on Monday, will go to Oxfam in Sudan.

A joke

And Bristol Water has agreed to match the amount raised, up to a maximum of �200.

The seller, known only by their callsign, juss01, said: "The bucket, a lovely blue polymer that would look good in a plain white room, is included.

"The water is indeed fresh and will be poured in front of the buyer from my kitchen tap to ensure authenticity."

The "fabulous bucket of Bristol Water" started as a joke between a group of friends.

At the end of the auction the successful bidder will have to arrange to pick up the plastic bucket and its contents at a secret location.

Juss01 added: "The successful bidder can have it hot or cold. I'll even add some orange squash if they want."