An 11-year-old boy was more than £8,000 richer today after his collection of memorabilia from fast food chain McDonald's went under the hammer.

Described as "totally unique", the collection made between 1990 and 1999 included posters, Happy Meal boxes and toys, as well as limited edition cups and shop-front displays that were never available to the public.

Last night bidders from across the world battled for parts of the 5,000-piece coveted collection – believed to be the largest of its kind in the UK – in a sale at Unique Auctions in Lincoln.

The grand total raised by the auction came in at £8,130, with lots going to buyers from the UK, Germany, and America.

The cash has been pocketed by 11-year-old Luke Underwood, from South Clifton, on the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire border, who has been the proud owner of the collection for four years.

He said he was sad to let go of the hoard but was looking forward to his next big buy.

Luke said: "I didn't really want to sell it but now I'm planning on saving the money so I can buy something else like this and make some money.

"I want to be a businessman when I'm older. I like going to car boot sales with my dad and buying things then selling them for more."