IT is a million miles from the blustery Solent race course or the comfort of the yacht club bar.

A Hampshire yacht club is offering the chance for one lucky sailor to swap life on the seas for the grim reality of Weatherfield, Britain’s favourite soap town.

Thanks to Hamble’s Royal Southern Yacht Club, you could get the chance to sip a pint at the Rovers Return, pick up a paper from the Kabin and grab a sarnie from Roy’s Rolls.

The club is auctioning a walk-on part in hit soap Coronation Street after it was donated by show favourite and former Bursledon resident Craig Charles, best known for playing Dave Lister in cult comedy Red Dwarf.

The winning bidder will get the chance to appear in the background of a shot during filming of an episode of the soap, as well as being treated to a tour of the set, where they will meet cast members.

Celebrity auctioneer Nick Bonham will oversee bidding for the part, one of ten key lots to be auctioned at the yacht club’s upcoming gala night in aid of services charity Help For Heroes.

“We are delighted that Craig Charles has donated the walk-on part in Coronation Street,” said David Mead, from gala dinner organisers the Royal Southern members’ group.

“Fans of Coronation Street will think it’s a fun thing to do and, hopefully, it will raise a good sum in the auction for Help for Heroes.”

A few tickets, costing £90, still remain for the charity bash, taking place at the yacht club in Rope Walk on April 18.

To buy tickets, contact Annette Mead on 023 8040 2477 or e-mail annette@meadwayside.plus.com.