James Shipley, of Baines Way, Grange Park, Northampton, has challenged himself to use online trading to exchange the virtually worthless office accessory for a narrowboat to call his own.

Within 10 months and just six swaps he had traded up to a 600cc motorcycle and, last month, exchanged the bike for a speedboat after his story appeared in the Chronicle & Echo.

On Wednesday the 26-year-old took another step towards his ultimate goal when willing trader Toby Stanbra, of Bellinge, took the boat off his hands and left him with a second-hand Porsche.

Mr Shipley said: "I had about 10 offers of potential swaps for the speedboat, although not all of them were serious.

"Someone actually offered me their wife, but said they didn't think I'd want her.

"In the end it was between an off-road buggy and an A-reg Porsche 924 and I decided to go for the car.

"In mint condition they're worth about £3,000 and although this one's not perfect, it's in good order, is taxed and MOT'd and doesn't need anything doing to it.

"I'll get it cleaned up and see where I can go from there."

Mr Shipley was inspired to embark on his quest by Canadian Kyle MacDonald, who attracted the attention of the world's media when he swapped a paperclip for a house in 14 trades last year.

The main difference with Mr Shipley's personal challenge was the final target of a narrowboat, which he decided on after falling in love with the waterways during a trip to Stoke Bruerne.

With live-in barges costing anything from £20,000 to £100,000, he admits his goal is still a long way off but remains confident of eventual success.

He said: "I have always been confident. I know I will get to the boat and I will keep going 'til I do.

"The only thing that would make me revise my target would be if I could get even higher. If someone offered me a house for the boat I'd go for it, but I certainly won't be settling for anything less."

Follow Mr Shipley's progress online at www.thepaperclipguy.com.