A fund-raiser was given a knock-out blow when the lifesize signed photograph of Ricky Hatton he was auctioning was nicked.

But the thief threw in the towel and returned the cardboard cut-out of the former world champ following a counter-punch from organiser Mike Mathers.

He had organised the do at Holiday Inn, Dodworth, on Friday.The Hatton cut-out did not sell but when Mike, 43, of Vernon Way, Gawber, came to pack up it had gone awol. He reckons the culprit - who has admitted the low blow - was punch drunk after one too many glasses of bubbly.

"I thought I would give the person the chance to do the right thing. It was left back at the hotel reception at about 6.30 Monday morning.

"I know who has done it and they had been on the old champagne and cider. It was done in drink and was a prank.

"It was the deal that if it was handed back there would be no further action."

The fund-raiser was for Weston Park Hospital. Mike started organising events for them after his mum, Marjorie, died of cancer two years ago.

Friday's event raised about £5,500 towards his target of £50,000.

Mike, who uses the Facebook profile Mike Weston Park to publicise his events, works with daughter Chelsea, 21, to raise the money.

They are organising an event with Sheffield-based heptathlete Jessica Ennis, and former footballer Kevin Keegan. It will be at Tankersley Manor on December 15.

A high profile singer is expected to confirm soon. Mike is also trying to arrange a footballers versus soap stars game at Oakwell.