Cut-out Michael Caine is raising cash

It is one of the most unusual items donated for charity but this life-size cut-out of film star Michael Caine is expected to raise hundreds of pounds when it goes under the hammer.

The signed cardboard model was given to the Express & Star by the man himself during a trip to the West Midlands.

The signed cut-out was used to promote a visit to Waterstone's in Birmingham earlier this month when the veteran actor was signing copies of his autobiography, The Elephant To Hollywood, which follows his journey from childhood spent in the Elephant and Castle area of London through to his Tinsel­town success.

The signed cut-out has now been passed to the NSPCC after Caine expressed a wish that it should be used to raise cash for the charity. Tracey Goodwin, NSPCC regional fundraising manager, came to the Express & Star's head office in Queen Street, Wolverhampton, to pick up the cut out.

She said: "Michael Caine's daughter, who lives in Worcester, is a supporter of the charity, which is why he specified us.

"It will be put it up for auction, where it is most likely to raise the most money, so we'll be looking around for the most suitable function over the next six months."

The charity, which incorporates ChildLine, has a committee at Wombourne and a combined Pattingham and Tettenhall group. Mrs Goodwin said staff and volunteers were always looking for new ways to raise money. To get involved with the NSPCC call 0844 8920217.