The editorial staff of the Western Daily Press are offering the services of journalists about to be made redundant by owner Northcliffe up for auction on eBay.

Staff are facing the loss of a fifth of their number – around 36 posts – and are offering eBay bidders “one entire multi award winning regional newspaper team”.

By 4pm today the online auction had attracted 14 bidders and the price offered for the Western Daily Press journalists had reached £22.

Is the price higher if it’s under the table — from a government official?