Public bids for Sea Harrier Jet

The jets were originally sold for £16m each

A former MoD plane which would cost £16m brand new is going on sale to the public for a mere £15,000.

The one-seater Sea Harrier Jump Jet has already attracted bids from all over the world.

Unfortunately the jet does not have an engine or an ejector seat though its body work is in excellent condition.

Paul Southerington, MD of Witham Specialist Vehicles in Grantham, said they had already had bids from New Zealand, Australia and Portugal.

Theme park prop

Mr Southerington's company has previously sold two ex-MoD harrier jets but he believes this is one of the last ones to be sold off.

"This would make a great advertising prop and both the jets we previously sold went to be used in advertising, one in Leeds and one in the West Midlands," he said.

"Just imagine it in your garden or suspended from the roof of a building in a theme park, that would be fantastic," added Mr Southerington.

It is believed the plane saw service in the Balkans and may also have formed part of the Falklands campaign, although this needs to be confirmed.

The deadline for bids is Monday 27 February. Mr Southerington has assured potential buyers that the jet is easy to move and can be transported in two parts, by road to most locations.