HOUSE prices may be astronomical but one Rossendale businessman has come up with a novel solution that's out of this world - selling land on the moon.

Clive Balchin, of Moving Works, Bank Street, Rawtenstall, is boldly going where no other estate agent has been before by offering customers the chance to buy one-acre plots.

For less than the price of a computer game customers will receive a personalised deed, which registers their acre, a document which outlines the owner's mineral rights and a site map pointing out the location of the property.

Mission Controller Clive, said: "The plots are just £28 - which for an acre of unreal estate is cracking value.

"A word of warning though - anyone who buys a plot will need planet permission before they can even consider building anything! I think you can get that from ground control."

Clive put the notices up in his Bank Street office this week and admits they've attracted more puzzled looks than genuine inquiries. He said: "To be honest it is just a bit of fun. We make it clear to anyone who is seriously interested that the whole thing has no legal basis whatsoever.

"But if you are looking to get someone a present with a difference you can't beat your very own plot on the moon. I know how difficult it can be tracking something down for someone who simply says 'surprise me', but I think it would be mission accomplished if you gave them their very own piece of space."

Although a light-hearted venture, Clive's moon sale will be good news for a local charity because he has promised to pass on any profit he makes from the sales to boost funds at Rossendale Hospice.

He added: "We think the offer is simply out of this world and if we can raise some money for a good cause all the better."

Of course would-be buyers will need to bear in mind that their new chunk of real estate is a four-day rocket trip away.

You should ask Santa for a space suit too as there's no atmosphere on earth's nearest neighbour.