Memories go under the hammer in Arms Park sale

Sports fans bought "lots" for their memories when one of the world's most famous stadiums went under the hammer in a unique auction. Hundreds made bids for the contents of Cardiff Arms Park, ranging from sections of the pitch, seating, flagpoles, lighting generators, turnstiles and even the changing rooms.

More than 3,000 lots were on offer, and proceeds of the auction will be ploughed back into the grassroots of the game. The park is being demolished and replaced with a new pounds 114 million stadium. Fans paid pounds 200 for a five- yard strip of turf, and the red plastic seats went for pounds 20 each. A Cardiff businessman, Giovanni Malacrimo, paid more than pounds 1,000 for the president's suite, including carpets, panelling and curtains, which he plans to recreate in a city centre restaurants.