A Purley entrepreneur is hoping to cash in on the eBay phenomenon that is gripping the nation.

Businesswoman Vicky Saddotti hopes the popularity of the internet auction site propels her eBay drop shop in Godstone Road to success.

The drop shop provides its users with the tools required to buy and sell items, including storage and photography facilities.

Customers ask staff to help them sell the most unusual items and Miss Saddotti had one request she will always remember.

She said: "We've had some people come here and ask us to sell the most unusual of items I don't think there is anything we haven't had.

"But we've had nothing as odd as when someone came here and asked us to sell dog food, I'd say that was definitely the strangest.

"People also come here with unrealistic valuations of the items they are trying to sell but you just have to tell them what the item is worth, which can upset people. We once had someone come here and wanted to sell a ring for £300 but when we got it valued it was only worth £30."

Miss Saddotti, owner of the franchise, says the eBay boom persuaded her to take a chance on the business and predicts that eBay drop shops will take off across the country.

"The popularity of eBay is there for everyone to see people are always using it. I noticed how popular eBay was and the shop started from there really.

"These sort of shops are really popular in America and we are always behind them so I really do expect this sort of idea to grow in the UK. The idea is definitely catching on and I know there are a few more shops that are going to open throughout the country this year."