Snowdon-topping 4x4 goes to auction

A 4x4 that scaled Snowdon mountain in Wales is to be sold on eBay - with all proceeds going to local rescue teams, its owner has pledged.

The vehicle that "goes anywhere you point it" - according to its auction description - had to be abandoned a few hundred metres from the summit when it became stuck in early September.

Its owner, Craig Williams - who nicknamed the Vauxhall Frontera 'Trusty' - said that sales from the vehicle will go to the Ogwen Valley and Llanberis mountain rescue teams.

Unlike other adventuring enthusiasts who may take out 4x4 hire to go off-roading for the weekend, the 39-year-old from Gloucestershire decided to illegally drive across the moorlands. He now faces criminal charges for the offence and will face court next month, reports WalesOnline.co.uk.

The use of vehicles on Snowdon has been banned since 1951. Rescue teams had to recover the 4x4 using the mountain railway system when weather conditions allowed.

Speaking in response to the donation, Chris Lloyd from Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue told BBC News: "We are always pleased when people recognise the valuable work done by volunteers from mountain rescue teams throughout the UK.

"Whilst we would appreciate any donation, we would never condone anyone taking a vehicle into the mountains and would hope that whoever buys the 4x4 will use it sensibly."