Invincible Ladbrokes TV to be auctioned?

Facebook users have called on bookmakers Ladbrokes to auction their invincible plasma television screen for charity in the wake of the London riots.

A group called ‘Ladbrokes don’t f*** about when it comes to TV brackets’, which swiftly gained over 45,000 followers, was created after footage was shown of looters being unable to detach the television screen from the wall of the company’s Lavendar Hill shop, despite up to three people using their whole body strength by hanging off it.

The footage, and the TV itself, quickly became iconic as a symbol of defiance against the criminals, and the Facebook group conducted a poll encouraging its members to suggest how best to commemorate it. Of several thousand votes, more than half have suggested auctioning the television for charity.

Other suggestions included installing a blue plaque, nominating it as an official 2012 Olympic Torch Bearer, and putting it forward to replace Boris Johnson as the next Mayor of London.

Richard Royal, Public Affairs Manager at Ladbrokes, commented:

“Whilst the incident itself was clearly very serious and disturbing, it is an indication of the London spirit to be able to put a silver lining on what otherwise is a very black cloud.

“We have noted of the strength of community feeling regarding the bastion of defiance that is our TV screen, and the suggestion that we should consider auctioning it, with proceeds going to the clean-up operation. I have asked for the condition of the TV to be assessed, after which I see no reason why this can’t happen.”