A STARS and Stripes flag signed by US President George Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair will go under the hammer for charity.

The two world leaders signed the flag for Ferryhill councillor David Newell when Mr Bush visited the region earlier this year.

Now Coun Newell, also a Sedgefield Borough councillor, plans to sell the piece of memorabilia to the highest bidder to raise money for his favourite charity St Dunstan's, which cares for armed services personnel who have been blinded or injured in active service.

The charity relies entirely on public donations, which are then spent on nursing and day care. Coun Newell is hoping that the flag will raise a substantial amount of cash for the cause.

He said: "The Prime Minister was instrumental in arranging the signing of the flag and was delighted to help. Over the years he has been very supportive of my other fundraising events for this charity. This is definitely a one off and the flag will go to the highest bidder. It's framed and will be advertised on ebay."

The auction will start today and last until Friday, November 12. Bids can be made by logging on to the ebay site or alternatively people can log on to the Sedgefield Borough Council website and go to the relevant link on www.sedgefield.gov.uk