VANS, trucks and diggers went under the hammer as Oxford City Council cleared its load of old equipment.

The authority auctioned off 189 lots including cars, trailers, tippers and mowers from its depot in Marsh Road on Saturday.

Among the happy customers was Andy Collett, 43, of Berkeley, Gloucestershire, who bought a 1969 Dennis dustcart.

Mr Collett, who runs his own business called Collett Transport Services, said: “It’s a fine example of an old dustcart.

“I’m going to restore it and take it around all the shows.”

He said he had only paid £950, but that restoration would not add much to the value.

He added: “It’s more of a personal value to enthusiasts – people like me.”

Clive Rayson, of Cumnor, bought a ride-on lawnmower for £4,100.

He said: “It was a good price. I was happy with it.”