A bidding war has broken out for the right to marry Witney bachelor Mark Broughton, who has auctioned his future on eBay.

Mr Broughton, 37, from Corn Bar, is so keen to find a partner that he has auctioned his hand in marriage for a penny.

The 10-day auction began last Thursday and, after a slow start, competition is fierce between three rival bidders, with the highest bid standing at £16.

The winning bidder will be invited to stay in Mr Broughton's flat for a week, and if she still wants to marry him at the end of it, he will honour the deal.

Mr Broughton said the bidding war may have started after he got a makeover at a Wantage hairdressers this week.

He said: "My new look certainly makes me stand out. I'm pleased that someone has bid £16 for me - it certainly beats 1p."

The auction closes on Sunday night shortly after 7pm.