An old runaround owned by John "Two Jags" Prescott is to be auctioned for a Sussex children's charity.

The automatic light blue Jaguar Sovereign XJ6 will go under the hammer in September and is expected to raise thousands of pounds for the Rockinghorse Appeal for sick children at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Brighton.

A hospital spokesman said: "We are delighted by this news and very grateful. Any money raised from the auction will be a great boost."

With 86,000 miles on the clock, the new owners will be able to settle into the luxurious leather driving seat that cradled the behind of the deputy Prime Minister.

The charity deal came about when Mr Prescott traded in the G-reg four litre Jag for a newer model at Arun Ltd, a car dealers in Pulborough.

He splashed out £10,000 on an eight-year-old Jaguar XJS after falling for it on a dealer's forecourt.

However, the dealer left with the 13-year-old motor decided not to sell it but donate it to the children's charity in a big-hearted gesture instead.

The car comes with air-conditioning, cruise control and alloy wheels.

There is also a leather interior, heated and electric seats, a good service history and a MOT certificate.

Dominic de Grouchy, director of Arun Ltd said Mr Prescott was a pleasure to do business with.

The car is set to go under the hammer at Gorringes auction rooms in Lewes on September 10.

Nick Muston, of Gorringes, said: "It is difficult to say how much the car could go for but as John Prescott was the last owner it does give the car a certain uniqueness.

"We have put a guide price on it of between £4,000 and £6,000."