EVENING News readers are being invited to lay their hands on a "very nice motor" - a drug-dealer's Mercedes.

West Mercia police's economic crime unit staff have become temporary used car salesmen after the N-registration Mercedes E320 Elegance was handed over to them by the courts.

It was seized after a dealer - who had escaped from a Scottish prison where he had been serving a sentence for murder - was jailed for three-and-a-half years for drug-trafficking.

He had been caught in Brighton with a stash of amphetamines valued at £350,000. The police seized his car, along with nearly £44,000 in cash from the sale of drugs.

West Mercia ended up with the silver Mercedes because the force had led a national operation to track down the dealer.

The judge made an order under the Misuse of Drugs Act that the money and car could be confiscated.

"It's a very useful windfall," said Det Chief Insp Ian Clarke, head of the economic crime unit.

"We're intending to sell the car to raise cash that will assist us in the fight against drugs.

Highest bidder

"We are seeking tenders for the vehicle from the public and will be selling it to the highest bidder. It's a very nice motor."

People can view the Mercedes - which has about 39,000 miles on the clock - on Saturday, April 21.

Advertisements about the sale have been placed in the Evening News. To make an appointment, call Lorraine Costello on 01905 723000 ext 2263.

Money raised will be channelled into the work of Say No and Phone, a project supported by the new High Sheriff of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Andrew Perrins.

SNAP aims to educate children about the dangers of drugs and to encourage them to tip off the force about dealers using the Crimestoppers number, 0800 555111.