SALES of limited-edition miniature lorries based on a haulage company's vehicles are soaring.

Northfleet-based LV Transport was approached by toymakers Corgi, which offered to immortalise its distinctive lorries into model size.

Company owner Len Valsler said almost all of the 1,750 lorries have been snapped up.

And the trucks have already found themselves in a bidding war on internet auction site e-bay as collectors try and snap one up. Mr Valsler says Corgi staff noticed the blue-and-red lorries as they travelled around the country.

His Norfolk Road-based company is only the second in Kent to be commorated in this way.

Mr Valsler, who started the company 30 years ago, said: "It's put Gravesend and Northfleet on the map for once."