Sir Peter Viggers's duck house ends up near Hilton Park

The most infamous duck house in the world is heading to the West Midlands - after being snapped up by a business park just off the M6.

Hilton Hall Business Centre, which borders the Hilton Park services, has bought the Stockholm Duck Island from former Conservative MP Sir Peter Viggers.

The MP was forced to stand down after claiming £1,645 on expenses to buy the floating duck house.

Now the business park, in Hilton Lane, Essington, has bought it for £1,700 and intends to make it pride of place on its lake. The money will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mr Norman Aronsohn, director of Hilton Hall business Centre revealed today: "I think the poor fellow was just relieved to get rid of it. He said it had been a disaster for him. I've every sympathy for him because it was a grim end to a Parliamentary career, but it is perfect for us."

Hilton Hall, which dates back to to the early 14th Century, was turned into a business centre 10 years ago and Mr Aronsohn added: "We have a large moat with ducks but we also have foxes and were looking for a way of making life safer for the ducks when this storm blew up. We contacted him and he said he would be happy to sell if the money went to charity."

The 72-year-old MP for Gosport said that he had "never liked" the island.

Macmillan Cancer Support said: "We are really delighted that some good has come out of the expenses scandal and we are grateful for the donation from Sir Peter."

Mr Aronsohn is now arranging to have the duck island moved from its current home near Portsmouth and promised: "We will have a duck house party when it arrives."

By John Scott