Two housewives are such big fans of motor racing star Damon Hill that they take a life-size cardboard cut-out of him to dinner with them, writes STEPHEN DEAL.

Best friends Jeanette Anderton and Joyce Brown reserve a restaurant seat for the dashing British star at least twice a year - to celebrate the beginning and end of the Formula 1 season.

And if the former world champion should come up trumps by winning a race during the season, then the two mums will hold an extra-special celebration for him.

However, they admit they do receive more than the odd strange look when they turn up at some of the higher-brow restaurants.

Jeanette, of Harwell Road, Sutton Courtenay, said: "Most people treat it as a bit of a laugh but we do get the odd snooty look. "We follow Damon avidly, as do all our family. However, our husbands refuse to join us when we take Damon out, for some strange reason!"

Although it may be a celebration for the two friends, Damon always stays the sensible sportsman and sticks to the orange juice.

Jeanette, who, like her friend, dresses in a Damon T-shirt and cap for the dinners, said: "He always stays very dedicated to his sport."

Asked what it was about Damon that captivated them so much, the school bursar said: "He is a gentleman, he is a superb ambassador for the sport - and he's also rather nice, isn't he? Of course, that comes well down the list, though."

Her friend was much more to the point. "He's gorgeous," Joyce said.

"My husband wouldn't come to the restaurant because he'd feel a bit of a gooseberry!" Both Jeanette and Joyce, who are in their 50s, are married with two children - and all of them share a passion for motor racing.

They came across the cut-out two years ago and decided to make full use of it by taking it out with them. The dinners give Damon - who is not apparently a big eater - a rare chance to sit in the passenger seat before he is used to prop up the bar.

The duo are currently planning to take him to somewhere "less snooty" for their next meal in March.

Mr David Brown, of Mayfield Crescent, Abingdon, said his wife's obsession with Damon was shared by the rest of his family - but not to the point where he would join the cardboard figure on a night out.

"It is a bit of a good laugh for them, though," he said.

Story date: Wednesday 24 February

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