All mention of golliwogs must be wiped out

A Devon collector says online auction rules are 'nonsense' after he was banned from selling a 'racist' Robertson's jam golliwog badge on eBay - until he covered its head with a smiley face. Trevor Crocker, 56, put the iconic collectible pin from his childhood for up sale in a bid to make some money while having a clear out.

But he was baffled to when eBay sent a message telling him the one-inch pin "promoted or glorified hatred, violence, racial or religious intolerance". The listing was removed by eBay - but bizarrely Trevor was able to re-list it and successfully sell it when he covered the pin's 'face' with a smiley sticker.

Mr Crocker, who is from Exeter, said: "It is absolute nonsense what they are coming out with. We don't understand why they took it off in the first place. It was just a Golden Shred toy from the 1960s.

"They let us relist it, it sold for £18. Not bad for a little badge. We didn't think it would cause this much upset. eBay were making us feel we were racist."

Mr Crocker said the badge had been listed under the name 'Vintage Robertson's Golden Shred Cricketer Badge' when the row began. But days later after attracting bids the item was removed and he received a message stating eBay prohibited the sale of any items featuring a golliwog doll.

A message said: "We have made the decision to prohibit the same of golliwog dolls and many associated products from our site globally."

SOURCE