The sale comes after Cornwall torchbearer Sophia Cowburn attracted a top bid of £150,400 for her torch in aid of the Invictus Trust charity, but it later turned out to be a hoax bid.

Nevertheless Gwent torchbearers appear to be following suit with three more currently available on the online auction site - including the two set to be carried by Newport twins Hannah and Emily Walker in the city today.

The twins’ mum Beverley Walker, said the family hadn’t made a final decision on whether they would sell them yet, but the torches are currently listed on the site and have already received a £5,000 bid.

Mrs Walker, of Caerleon, declined to comment further. A Torfaen torchbearer has advertised one for sale with a starting bid of £7,999 describing it as a chance to “own this wonderful piece of history”. The seller says they will make a donation to cancer charities, including Tenovus, once payment is received.

Another, from Ebbw Vale, who advertised one earlier this week with a starting bid of £320, has since removed it. All 8,000 torchbearers were given the opportunity to buy torches, which cost £495 to make, at a reduced price of £215, or £199 before May 7.

The gold-coloured beacons, designed by east Londoners Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, are made up of an inner and outer aluminium alloy skin, featuring 8,000 perforated rings, symbolising the 8,000 torchbearers.

People talking part in the relay were nominated by someone they know, and many have overcome illness, helped in their community or represented their country at sport.

A spokeswoman for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games said: “The torches were the property of torchbearers. We hope that if they are put on eBay they find a good home.”