Cleckheaton man Darrall Vernon is caught in a tug-of-love between his wife and a life-sized model of cyber-babe Lara Croft.

The computer nut of Wellands Lane, Moor Bottom, caused friction by arriving home one night with the mannequin - much to the dismay of wife Sarah. He had splashed out £500 on the model at a charity auction and stood her at the foot of the couple's bed.

But now the high-kicking heartbreaker could be earning her place in the home with a stint of charity work for the cancer unit at St James' Hospital, Leeds.

"Darrall is obsessed with Lara Croft," said Sarah, 32, "I couldn't believe it when he brought her home clutching her boobs. He spent all his time staring at her and I had to draw the line when he suggested bringing her into the bed."

Computer engineer Darrall, 33, said: "My business account manager at Barclays asked if I would like to take Lara round to all the branches and raise more money for the cancer unit, so my wife may get to like her yet."