Woman who auctions Valentine's date snubbed

A UK woman who auctioned herself as a Valentine's Day date was left heartbroken after the winner refused to pay up.

The mystery man who bid $1150 on February 11 reportedly snubbed Hope Anscomb, from Bromley, saying he had "made other plans".

"Well my mystery eBay bidder is a plank and now doesn't want the date or to pay … NOT a fan!" she tweeted yesterday night.

"But happy Valentine's Day everyone else!"

However, it was not the company Ms Anscomb was eager to secure - the 24-year-old was using the eBay stunt to raise money for charity The Autism Trust.

As part of the offer, the highest bidder not only got to go on a date with Ms Anscomb, she also offered to foot the restaurant bill.

"Obviously it was a really fun thing to do – everyone was really excited to find out who it was and now it’s turned into debt recovery," she told the Bromley News Shopper, adding she has raised an "unpaid item case" with eBay.

"It’s not really in the spirit of charity or Valentine’s Day. Hopefully they’ll have a conscience and pay."

Despite the sub, Ms Anscomb said she would not let the snub ruin the romantic holiday.

"I might go to my friend’s birthday, if not I’ll be in front of the TV eating ice cream, Bridget Jones-style," she said.

Author: Chloe Ross, Approving editor: Matthew Henry