The peak of passion

A chance for a couple to spend a romantic night in a double bed nearly 10,000ft up a mountain in the Alps is to be auctioned off on eBay.

The winners will get to spend one night in a bed placed at the top of a glacier in complete seclusion apart from the stars and the odd mountain goat.

Tourism chiefs in Ramsau, Austria, laid on the offer which comes with no mod cons apart from a loo and a luxury food hamper.

"We are offering an unforgettable adventure for two," said a tourist authority spokesman.

"Whether you have just fallen in love and want to surprise your partner or simply love nature - this night is sure to be unforgettable."

Winners can cool their passions in an ice cold mountain stream and be certain that however loud they are, they won't disturb anyone.

"It is a very romantic site under a sky of stars with no-one to hear or see you," said one mountain guide.

"Mind you, if they feel the earth move they'd better get going, it could be an avalanche."

Profits from the sale will go to the United Nations' cultural organisation UNESCO, which has declared the beauty spot a World Heritage Site.