A signed three-page manuscript letter from George Best to Brian Reade columnist of The Mirror newspaper dated 25th July 2000, written in defence of Al

A signed three-page manuscript letter from George Best to Brian Reade columnist of The Mirror newspaper dated 25th July 2000, written in defence of Alex Best who had been criticised by Reade in his column for drinking wine in the company of her husband, the letter reading ''Dear Mr Reade, I was just settling down to a nice meal last evening with my wife Alex. It was our 5th wedding anniversary but something was niggling me. When I realised what it was I suggested to Alex that I ring you to ensure that it was O.K. for her to have a drink whilst I was tucking into me lobster thermidor. Unable to avail myself of your number I carried on regardless. I managed to survive without slumping head first into my spotted dick. I did attempt to persuade the four gentleman at the next table to refrain from drinking whilst I was eating. They told me to **** Off which under the circumstances I found fair comment. Undeterred I have decided to visit my local Waitrose and request that during shopping trips to their establishment they cease to serve other customers from the off licence. I don't hold out much hope for a favourable reply. My next target will be all T.V. companies who advertise alcoholic drinks not to do so whilst I am watching. I have been pushed into this drastic action after reading your award winning article in the paper 20/7/00. Alex and myself were deeply moved that such a highly respected writer should have our welfare on his mind. Yours Sincerely, George Best. P.S. I also noticed your use of the word Dipso in regard to myself. Knowing what a great wordsmith you are I consulted the Oxford dictionary. You should flick through it sometime. On certain pages it actually has words of more than three syllables. I failed to find it. I also checked for the word ****. It wasn't there either so I suppose that makes us pretty much even.''; sold with a photocopy of Brian Reade's original Mirror column and a further photo copy when the paper printed George Best's responding letter (5)