Businesswoman tightens up internet auction of herself

A businesswoman selling herself as a wife has tightened up security for her latest internet auction attempt.

Kay Hammond's auction resumes tomorrow on QXL after a previous effort was withdrawn over a bogus £1bn bid.

This time a lawyer is protecting her interests and bidders will be forced to agree to financial checks if they're successful.

A British Sunday newspaper says she is reserving the right to prosecute someone if they deliberately make a fraudulent claim.

Ms Hammond, 24, has also set up a two-tier system, in which bidders must also send her an email.

QXL spokeswoman CJ Wilson said: "It is highly unusual, but we checked with our lawyers and there is no problem from our end. Kay seems to know what she is doing. She is drafting her own terms and conditions, which we are perfectly happy with.

"It is not for us to judge the morality of the situation."

Ms Hammond, of Birmingham, is managing director of TAMBA Internet and says she set up the auction because she's too busy to meet prospective husbands. She insists it is not a publicity stunt.

She said: "People can question my motivation, but I am entirely serious. I want to meet Mr Right, and I think this is the best way for me to do it."