V4.1.x Show random/new adverts from main category

[Isje]

Hi,
I have 6 main categories, each containing several subcategories.

I am looking for a way to show random and new adverts in the MAIN category page (this category doesn't contain any adverts, but only subcategories). The adverts shown should be ONLY from that particular MAIN category.

To clarify... I have one main category Automobiles (adverts not allowed) with subcats 4wd, saloons, accessories, etc.
Once a user clicks on the Automobiles, the subcats are shown. Below this, I want new and random adverts from all the subcats.

Is there a way to do this?

Thanks!
Isje

[seymourjames +]

As you know, the problem is that adverts are tied to a specific category and you would need a solution that traverses the category tree looking for subcategories and their listings.

One way I can think about doing it would be to make a plugin. It would not be an easy one to do. Basically, grab the "search" functionality which gets all the adverts in a main category and then pick the first N latest adverts and then a random set of them.