A KEMBLE firm is selling a jet trainer aircraft for £110,000 on the internet auction site ebay.

The two-seater Gnat trainer aircraft, similar to the ones used by the Red Arrows from 1965 until 1979, is being sold by Delta Jets.

Based at the former RAF Kemble airbase near Cirencester, the firm specialises in training amateur pilots to fly fast jets for pleasure.

It maintains Hunter jet aircraft for wealthy individuals and consortia of owners.

The Gnat is being sold because, as a lighter and less forgiving aircraft than the Hunter, it is less suited for use as a trainer for the firm's clients.

It has a range of about 650 miles, can reach a speed of more than 750mph and is capable of breaking the sound barrier in a shallow dive.

Delta chief engineer Andrew Barnes said: "It is an excellent aircraft, but it can bite because of its high power-to-weight ratio.

"We took a corporate decision to put it on sale."

Mr Barnes said the decision to use ebay was intended to raise the profile of the aircraft and the fact that it was for sale, although the firm did not anticipate making a final sale through the site.

He said: "We have had 191 hits but no bids.

"The aircraft is going to be on the site for 10 days, but we hope at least to generate some interest from people who are really interested in buying it.

"We would be able to house and operate the aircraft from our premises for the potential buyer, but the idea is for us not to operate it."

The aircraft, which is currently being serviced, first came into use with the RAF in 1963, although Gnats first flew in 1955.

Delta's model was bought from a private source some years ago.

Use of the Gnat was phased out in the late 1970s, and it was replaced as both pilot training aircraft and vehicle of the Red Arrows by the Hawk.

Anybody wishing to look at the advertisement should go to www.ebay.co.uk and navigate their way to its aviation section or simply type the word 'gnat' into its search window.

Would be buyers can also contact the sellers directly on (01285) 771494.

l The aircraft is the latest unusual item in the area to be sold on ebay.

In August, Bob Foulds tried to sell his four-bedroomed house in Moredon for £176,000, which was less than the £190,000 which might be expected for such a property. However, it did not sell via the site.

And in October Gavin Young put his £125,000 house in Ash Brake up for sale, announcing that he wanted £1m for it because it came with part of Princess Diana's wedding dress.

Barrie Hudson