The RAF plane had a reserve price of �6,000

The XL391 plane, which has been on display outside Blackpool Airport for the past 20 years, was put on the website with a reserve price of �6,000.

The bomber belonged to the RAF before it was bought by pilot Brian Bateson.

He said on Monday he did not mind how much the plane sold for, but with 93 bids placed so far he could earn much more when bidding stops on Saturday.

"I didn't really have any expectations. We put a minimum price of �6,000 on it and we thought we'd see how it went from there," he said.

'Sold as seen'

"We didn't think that was too greedy. It's got five engines in it, and they're worth a few bob each."

He said he had never flown it as it was "not practical", and it needed maintenance and an owner who could look after it.

Mr Bateson made it clear that postage and packing was not included.

"It's sold as seen - where is, as is," he said.