James Shipley, from Baines Way, Grange Park, set out on his goal of trading up to a narrowboat after falling in love with life on the waterways during a trip to Stoke Bruerne last year.

Inspired by the success of Canadian Kyle MacDonald, who swapped one red paperclip for a house in 14 trades, he set out on his own version of the ultimate freebie hunt.

He said: "I thought I'd have a go and see how it went.

It's been brilliant so far, I've been amazed at the response.

In 10 months I have gone from a paperclip to a 600cc motorbike; hopefully I can reach my target of a boat before the year is out.

"The first couple of swaps were all done through a website.

I swapped my paperclip for a bouncy ball from some guy in Pennsylvania; it's all a bit random really but great fun."

Mr Shipley, aged 26, has so far made six swaps, trading the paperclip for a ball, the ball for a book, then a golf bag, a multi gym, a radio controlled plane and now a 600cc motorbike.

A friend is due to visit Mr Shipley's Grange Park home this week to inspect the bike, which he travelled to Hull to collect, with a view to restoring it and ensuring it is worth up to £2,000.

Mr Shipley said: "I have no idea what I will eventually swap the bike for, it could be literally anything.

I advertise it on the website and see what people are willing to trade. You need to stay one step ahead and ensure that someone is likely to want what you are swapping your item for.

"With a bit of luck I will soon have a narrowboat. I think you can get them for about £20,000 but the posh ones are about £100,000.

I don't suppose I will get anything like that; I will be happy with anything that floats really."

If you are interested in helping Mr Shipley reach his target of a narrowboat, contact him through his website at www.onepaperclip.blogspot.com

daniel.owens@northantsnews.co.uk