A REAL snip is on offer at a charity school auction next week - with a cut-price vasectomy among the lots up for grabs.

Prospective male bidders may feel the need to cross their legs after the Verwood Surgery "donated" the operation for the annual fund-raising event at Ringwood CE Infant School on Monday.

Dr Raj Karkera, who has a son at the school, performs the procedure on the NHS for patients at the Manor Road surgery, and thought it would make an unusual attraction for the event, which last year raised £2,700 for school funds.

A private vasectomy costs in the region of £160, though the use of general anaesthetic and expensive specialist hospital surgeons can push the price much higher.

However, Dr Karkera regularly carries out the procedure at the surgery's operating theatre, and hopes the lot will raise laughs as well as money.

"There is a slow steady, demand for vasectomies in this area, and some men choose it to save their wife from a more tricky operation," he explained.

"How long it takes depends on a man's anatomy and his tenseness. But, with local anaesthetic, it takes around 30-45 minutes, and patients generally take a day or so to recover.

"I don't know if anyone will bid for it, but I hope it will cause a bit of stir and a few smiles."

This year's auction aims to generate cash to buy new outdoor play equipment, and over 400 lots have been donated by local businesses, including a scooter, children's bike, museum tickets, restaurant vouchers, and football merchandise.

School spokeswoman Lucy Powell said: "We have a terrific range of items, though we have never had anything like a vasectomy on offer before. Maybe a few men will bid to prevent someone buying it for them."

Catalogues for the event, which begins at 7pm in the school hall, and further details are available from the school on 01425 473829.