THE Wiltshire Times news editor has been sold to another newspaper to raise money for tsunami victims.

Craig Evry, 26, who has worked at the Wiltshire Times for six years, took part in a man auction in Melksham on Saturday.

Organised by Mums of Melksham (MOM) and compered by Audrey Tucker, from Bristol, about 10 men were auctioned at the event, with all proceeds going towards the tsunami appeal.

Susan Drew, joint managing director of the Melksham

Independent News with husband Ian, 45, became involved in a bidding war for Mr Evry at the auction in the Assembly Hall.

The price was pushed to £30 for the privilege of owning the single young man for an hour and a half.

Mrs Drew, 45, who has two children, said: "As soon as I saw him I couldn't resist him. I met Craig years ago and I recognised him and as soon as I saw it was him I thought I had to get him."

Mrs Drew said she would set Mr Evry to work making tea and coffee in their Market Place newsroom.

Her husband Mr Drew said: "We have thought of a few worse jobs but we are not that mean. I think making the tea will be fine, as long as he makes it well."

Mr Evry, who raised more money than any of the other men on sale, including a Batman lookalike and a man in a nurse's outfit, said: "I did the shy look and I made more than the Rod Stewart lookalike, which was pretty

good.

"I just feel like I've done something for charity now."

The evening kicked off with a Rod Stewart tribute act and also featured Ann Summers games, food, and waiter-served drinks.

Even the waiters agreed to be auctioned at the end of the evening and all the men on offer stood on stage wearing Ann Summers underwear.

Ben Carey, reporter at the Melksham Independent News, had agreed to be auctioned but backed out and wrestler Stuart Natt, aka The Eliminator, was also too afraid to get up on stage. They will have to pay a fine.

Jan Porter, manager at the Assembly Hall, who bought Batman for £15 and plans to set him to work tiling her kitchen, said: "Everyone did really well. They showed willing and really got into the spirit of it."