While David Beckham bends it on the pitches in Germany, his football boot is raising money for more charitable causes back home.

One of his left boots, signed by the England captain himself, will be auctioned in aid of The Argus Appeal from today.

Anyone with at least £1,000 to offer can place a bid for the boot, which has been donated by Sue Addis of Donatellos restaurant, to raise funds for the appeal and for The Martlets hospice in Hove.

Elsa Gillio, co-ordinator of The Argus Appeal, said: "We are thrilled Sue has decided to auction the boot with us."

Bids will be accepted throughout the World Cup and the highest bidder will be able to take the Beckham boot home after the final, at midnight on July 9.

The boot can be viewed by visiting Donatellos restaurant where it is showcased.

Sue Addis who owns the restaurant in The Lanes, bought it for £2,400 in an auction at The Martlets Summer Ball a year ago.

Bids can be placed by email at argusappeal@theargus.co.uk or by contacting Elsa Gillio on 07796 318402.