Fan pays thousands to charity for dinner with Palin

A true fan of former US vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is paying $63,500 (€70,220) to have dinner with her.

Cathy Maples of Huntsville, Alabama, yesterday won the dinner in an internet auction, which was a benefit for a charity that aids wounded veterans.

Ms Maples, who says she supports the military, owns a defence contracting company and revealed she was a "big advocate" for Ms Palin, and would love to see the Republican as president.

Ms Palin offered the dinner as part of the charity auction on eBay for the Ride 2 Recovery program, which supports wounded veterans through cycling programs.

Organisers say the winner will have to foot the travel bill to meet up with Ms Palin, and it is likely to be in Alaska.