Gentlemanly conduct

English hero Andrew Flintoff today agreed to auction his penis to help raise funds in support of earthquake victims in Pakistan, where the team is currently on tour.

Speaking in Faisalabad after a brilliant performance in which he took three wickets and revived English hopes of victory, Flintoff said, "The lads and me were talking about it in the dressing-room like, and we just decided it was the least we could do. Harmers, Vaughny and the rest of the boys, they're just great, like."

It was a typically modest display from a man famed for his gentlemanly behaviour on and off the pitch.

Sotheby's, who will stage the auction, estimate that the item will fetch in excess of £200,000. "There has already been a lot of interest, especially from middle-aged women," said a spokeswoman.

Marylebone Cricket Club also declared that they would be making a bid. "We feel that it would be very much at home in the Long Room," MCC President Tom Graveney told reporters, adding wryly, "No doubt it will be our most famous member."

Flintoff rejects the idea that his performances will be adversely affected. "You really don't need a penis for bowling or batting," he explained.