LONDON - A BRITISH boy made a big deal out of Happy Meals.

Luke Underwood, 11, had his 5,000-piece collection of posters, Happy Meal boxes, toys, and promotional displays auctioned on Wednesday night, selling for 8,130 pounds (S$17,850), which includes a 15 per cent buyer's premium.

Luke, who is from South Clifton, Nottinghamshire, 220km north of London, said on Thursday it was tough to put the collection under the hammer.

'It was sad to see it go,' he said on a telephone interview on his way home from school. 'We just needed the room. It was on the landing. It was everywhere.'

Unique Auctions' owner Terry Woodcock said he had no idea the memorabilia would sell.

'I didn't think people would be interested in McDonald's toys. I've never been so wrong about an auction in 20 years,' he said.

Mr Woodcock said that people from around the world - including the US, Germany and Australia - bought pieces of the collection. One man paid 300 pounds for a 101 Dalmatians toy to finish his own collection.

Luke's father, Philip, had bought most of the collection for his son four years ago for 250 pounds, and they've been adding to it.

Luke said he wants to continue to buy and sell collector's items.

Batman and James Bond toys are on his shopping list. 'They are going to be the biggest sellers in the future,' he said. -- AP