The auction, held at the Ricoh Stadium in Coventry, was attended by more than 5,000 people, including many London 2012 Games makers.

Along with a separate sale of lower-value items, the event was one of the last acts of London 2012, whose final board meeting is expected on May 23.

The most valuable item on offer turned out to be the scarecrow from the Olympic Opening Ceremony, which sold for £2,020 ($3,127/€2,400).

An Olympic torch signed by gold medal-winning sailor Ben Ainslie went for £2,000 ($3,000/€2,400).

A pink javelin signed by heptathlete Jessica Ennis fetched £660 ($1,020/€780).


Though queues were sometimes long, the sale unfolded in a spirit of great good humour more than a little reminiscent of the special atmosphere that permeated London during last summer's Olympics and Paralympics.

The auction was conducted by H.J.Pugh & Co, a Herefordshire company whose expertise extends to items such as vintage tractors and railwayana.

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