A popular children's book has seen a stark rise in the number of searches for it on eBay after the main character was named a modern-day bravery hero.

For the last 31 years, Roald Dahl’s Matilda has inspired young girls and boys across the nation and it doesn’t look like this is set to change according to eBay UK.

According to the online marketplace, there has been a staggering 47,700 searches for the title this month alone, with fans of the much-loved book scouring the website for limited-edition copies, costumes and accessories.

The significant surge in searches has resulted in the retailer seeing a shopper search take place every minute over the past six months.

Matilda reigns as the most searched for Roald Dahl character, with 48 per cent more searches than Willy Wonka, the second most popular on eBay UK. In the past six months, Matilda has accounted for nearly half (46 per cent) of the 1.2million Roald Dahl book searches on the online marketplace.

The popularity of Matilda comes as no surprise since a survey from the Roald Dahl Story Company crowned Matilda a modern-day bravery hero this month, amongst the likes of Stormzy and Ariana Grande. Since this announcement, eBay has reported a 6 per cent surge in shoppers searching for red bow headbands as little ones look to replicate Matilda’s iconic look.

One eBay seller is cashing in on the craze, offering a signed first edition of the title for an eyewatering £4,500. The retail giant is encouraging Brits to search their bookshelves for the title and if unwanted, sell it on the platform to inspire the next generation of Matildas.

The nation’s top 10 Roald Dahl books according to eBay UK:

1. Matilda

2. Beware of the Dog

3. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

4. The Witches

5. Tales of the Unexpected

6. James and the Giant Peach

7. Kiss Kiss

8. The Twits

9. The BFG

10. Danny, the Champion of the World