And now for something completely different...

A long-lost 10ft cactus prop from Monty Python's Flying Circus - acquired by the Herald Express – is to go on sale at auction in London later this month.

The rare survivor of the cult TV comedy show of the late 60s and early 70s could be the oldest surviving piece of Python paraphernalia — and it's going under the hammer to raise funds for the paper's Help A Teenager appeal to equip Torbay Hospital's teenage ward.

Python legends John Cleese and Michael Palin are said to be excited about the discovery, made by Torbay costume hire king Lionel Digby — who rescued the relic from a skip bound for the rubbish tip.

The frail object has spent nearly 40 years collecting dust at Lionel's loft in Market Street which has been the subject of a recent clear-out.

It was featured at the climax of the Python's Scott of the Sahara sketch filmed on Paignton Beach in July 1970 and screened by the BBC five months later.

Fans may remember the famous fight between Michael Palin and a stuffed lion - as well as the giant cactus - on which the scantily clad Carol Cleveland snagged and lost her bikini top.

But the prickly prop was abandoned at the end of the shoot and duly collected by Lionel Digby who also picked up a second cactus, which time has treated less kindly.

John Cleese told the Herald Express: "I am very excited to think that the cactus that ripped off Carol Cleveland's bra is now available for purchase. I can't think of a better cause, too, than raising funds for Torbay Hospital."

Bonham's in Knightbridge say they are thrilled to include the curious piece in their entertainment sale on June 20 when it could easily go for a four-figure sum.

It will share saleroom space with another icon of Britain's rich comedy heritage — the latex puppet of Maggie Thatcher used in the Spitting Image series.

Bonham's spokesman Adrian Cowdrey admitted: "Such items are incredibly rare. They are just not out there. There are pieces from the films, but not from the TV programmes. We will probably sell the cactus with a reserve of £500 and expect it to go for at least £750 to £1,000, particularly if it's for charity.

"Although it is just plywood and polystyrene, its association value is good.

"Python prices do go high, although we don't want to build up people's hopes. If we were selling the famous Norwegian Blue from the ex-parrot sketch we would get at least £8,000. The pint glass Eric Idle used in the ‘say no more' sequence would go for about half that."