MONDAY'S Downing Street reception to honour England's victorious rugby world cup heroes triggered an unexpected and potentially lucrative spin-off for Bromsgrove.

The town's MP Julie Kirkbride, the shadow minister for sport, culture and media, who is also a patron of the St John's Landmark Appeal, was among the guests at the event hosted by Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Seizing a once in a lifetime opportunity she persuaded team coach Clive Woodward, captain Martin Johnson, star player Jonny Wilkinson and Lawrence Dallaglio to autograph a copy of the official souvenir magazine of the Rugby World Cup triumph.

It makes a unique item of rugby memorabilia - and one which is sure to be much sought after by collectors and fans of the sport.

It will be sold to the highest bidder with the proceeds going to the appeal.

Appeal chairman, Birmingham businessman David Slade, from Kidderminster Road, said he is delighted - and praised Miss Kirkbride for her efforts.

Interested bidders should contact him on Fax 0121 625 9000 or at d.slade@perkins-slade.com

David said he will accept bids up to 5pm on Monday December 22, with the magazine going to the highest bidder.

Miss Kirkbride was Christmas shopping in Bromsgrove last Friday when she received a call from Downing Street inviting her to the reception.

Realising it was a golden opportunity to raise cash for the fund she dashed into WHSmith and bought the magazine.

"It was a great honour to meet our national heroes," she said later.

"The players were very happy to support the Landmark Appeal and were delighted to sign the souvenir magazine."

"I hope people will give generously for this good cause and also to secure what will become a collectors' item.

The Appeal, supported by the Advertiser/Messenger, has a target of £1m to pay for the urgent repair and restoration of Bromsgrove's Grade I, 12th century St John's Parish Church - the town's major landmark.