An empty can, neither particularly old nor interesting, has been sold on the internet auction website eBay for nearly £10.

The can claims to contain "Saskatchewan air for those needing wide-open prairie spaces".

Bizarrely, bidding was intense during the 10-day auction, proving that people are prepared to buy almost anything on the internet.

The can was bought by Mary Thompson, of Cottonwood, US, who has never been to Saskatchewan.

"When I saw the fresh air can with Saskatchewan on it I had to have it," she said. "After all, who wouldn't want fresh Saskatchewan air?"

The contents of the can are "guaranteed odourless, smokeless, smogless and fogless. Gathered by hand, packed with care. Ready to go anywhere."