Plastic bags being sold as 'collectors items' on eBay

A handful of enterprising Brits have spotted a business opportunity in the new 5p carrier bag charge.

Several adverts have popped up online offering "vintage" carrier bags, after a new law came into force at the beginning of the month.

The rule change means supermarkets and large stores in England must charge a minimum of 5p for every carrier bag. The 5p bags are thicker and more hard-wearing than their free predecessors.

One seller has put some bags up for sale on eBay at the asking price of £1,000 for 5 bags in a listing due to expire on November 5.

Another is selling an original Asda brand shopping plastic bag for a 99p.

“Grab a piece of history- from the good old days when you didn't have to get a 5p thick plastic bag or get your kids to carry the shopping.

“Handles are still intact,” the listing reads.

The seller then advertises the many uses the “retro bag” can have: “These have a variety of uses – can be used on your bike seat to keep it dry (but you may also need to use a padlock between the handles so that it is not stolen).