What Price Life?

The man who put his entire life up for sale on eBay has no regrets after the auction was won by a bid of £200,000.

Ian Usher, originally from Darlington, said he decided to sell his home in Perth, Australia - along with his car, his job in a rug shop and an introduction to his friends - because they all reminded him of his ex-wife.

Expert valuers, however, pointed out that the price was exceptional, and warned other Britons against following Mr Usher’s example.

“Even the most avid collector wouldn’t give two brass farthings for the life of the average Brit,” said a spokesman for Sotheby’s. “However, this fellow had the good sense to leave the country six years ago, which has added greatly to the value of his life.”

Mr Usher said he was looking forward to sorting out the sale, and added that he would use the proceeds to go travelling.

“I want to see the world,” he said. “Apart from Britain, of course.”