THE Channel Tunnel boring machine has sold for just under £40,000.

When the auction for the unique piece of Folkestone engineering memorabilia on the eBay Internet site closed on Monday afternoon, the Thanet-based recycling firm Reclamet was victorious with its offer of £39,899.

It is understood the cutting equipment which removed half a million cubic metres of chalk and soil to help create the new route between Britain and France, will be sold for scrap. The boring machine will be dismantled on site next to the M20 at Folkestone

All the monies from the auction will now be split equally between the Pilgrim's Hospice, Demelza House children's hospice and MacMillan Cancer Relief, charities chosen by staff at Eurotunnel.

The 580-ton drill had attracted bids in excess of £10 million, but these were exposed as fake. Once the paperwork is completed, returns are not accepted.