eBay pulls plucky Essex puller

An Essex man is offering a night's date with himself on online auctioneers eBay.

Tom Couchman, from Harlow, posted the advertisement yesterday and so far bidding has been quiet, although in the last few hours his price has climbed to the princely sum of £10.50.

In his own words the lucky lady who wins will be collected for the date in his "stylish Renault Clio and taken to the venue of their choice, be it a romantic meal for two or just a swift pint down the local followed by a quick fiddle by the bins".

However, even if Couchman does find a real bidder they will be unable to collect their prize as eBay is pulling the auction.

"You can't sell body parts or intangibles online," explained a representative. "This advert seems to be both and we'll be removing it shortly. With so many things advertised it's a job finding this type of auction."

It is not the first time this has been tried: 25 year-old entrepreneur Kay Hammond offered herself for marriage on eBay with a £250,000 reserve. On that occasion, bidding reached £10m.