Jonathan Ross suit to go under the hammer at Derby auction

PART of the wardrobe of dapper broadcaster Jonathan Ross is to go under the hammer in Derby for a children's charity – thanks to a Derbyshire policeman.

And chart-topping singer Tony Christie, who sang Is This The Way To Amarillo?, will entertain guests at the auction next month.

Also set to be auctioned off are DVDs and autobiographies signed by comedian Jimmy Carr, an autographed photo of Oasis lead singer Liam Gallagher and signed football memorabilia from Derby County and Nottingham Forest.

Detective Sergeant Gary Lunn, of Derbyshire police, got hold of the £3,000 suit through his brother, who works as a bodyguard to the stars.

Now he is hoping the suit will raise money for police charity Child Victims of Crime when it comes up for auction next month.

Det Sgt Lunn said: "My younger brother, Andrew, has also managed to get me ties autographed by Jonathan Ross, four tickets to his live show and two tickets to the British Comedy Awards, which he is hosting in December.

"The suit is a slate blue-grey colour with a faint stripe and on the inside breast pocket it is monogrammed with his name.

"You touch it and you nearly pass out – the quality is so fantastic."

The auction will be held at Derby Conference Centre, in London Road, and hosted by Ram FM DJ Andy Miller.

Entertainment will also be provided by band Indigo Sunset, who will perform 1960s pop music, and magicians from Derby Magic Circle.

Det Sgt Lunn added that his brother, who was unavailable for comment, had been Mr Ross's bodyguard for several years and had been employed by David and Victoria Beckham, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Sylvester Stallone, Jude Law and Russell Crowe.

The 52-year-old, of Skegby, Nottinghamshire, said: "We've done pie-and-pea nights at pubs, but with stuff like this being thrown at me, that sort of venue wouldn't do the event justice.

"Derby Conference Centre has offered to host the event for free and can cater for 500 people. It would be nirvana if that many came but I'm aiming for 350."

Det Sgt Lunn runs Derbyshire Constabulary's child abuse investigation unit and regularly fund-raises for Child Victims of Crime, which will receive 80% of the money raised.

The remainder will go to the Village Seham School Appeal, which pays for schools to be built in Punjab. The charity was founded by Dave Gee, who retired as head of CID at Derbyshire police three years ago.

Tickets to the October 3 auction cost £30, including entertainment and a buffet, and are available from Mr Lunn on 07976 152566 or his secretary, Angie Roe, on 07740 502847.