In Romania, more than one-hundred items belonging to the former Communist leader, Nicolae Ceausescu, and his wife, Elena, have been auctioned in the capital, Bucharest.

The sale is taking place almost ten years after the couple was executed by firing squad in the course of a violent social upheaval against Mr Ceausescu's rule.

Among the items for sale are luxury cars presented to the couple by the former American president, Richard Nixon, and the late French president, Francois Mitterand.

Proceeds from the auction will go to the state.

The identity of the bidders is confidential.