Builder buys fighter plane on eBay

A British builder has bought a Sea Harrier Jump Jet on eBay for just £10,000.

Neil Banwell, 39, bought a full-size Sea Harrier Jump Jet on the internet auction site eBay for just £10,000.

Father-of-three Mr Banwell from Wedmore, Somerset, has now given the 26-year-old fighter plane pride of place in his back garden.

The Harrier Jump Jet XZ494, which would have cost around £35 million new, is believed to have seen action in the Falklands War, 25 years ago.

Mr Banwell saw the plane, which has no engine, up for auction on eBay and decided to enter a bid.

He said he was amazed when his bid was accepted and he realised he was to become the new owner of a 45ft fighter bomber.

He said: "There are lots of parts missing but I'm doing it up.

"It was such a surprise to discover the plane on eBay in the first place and it got even better when I found out I'd been successful with the bid.

"It was a bit of a shock when it was delivered as they are quite big."

Mr Banwell will now study records to find out more details about the history of his plane.