AHOY: Jacob Tannahill-Swift is auctioning his first hug of the year on the Trade Me website.

He ain't no Johnny Depp but Jacob Tannahill-Swift will dress up like a pirate and give you one of the best hugs you've ever had if you are willing to pay the price.

The 20-year-old from Hamilton has listed an auction on the Trade Me website to sell a hug to the top bidder because he says he hasn't given one this year.

Bidding was just shy of $50 last night.

Mr Tannahill-Swift said all money raised from the auction would be given to the Starship Children's Hospital and Foundation in Auckland.

"Children are the next generation and without them we don't have a chance," he said. "It is pretty much just helping out the next generation."

The auction has captured the imagination of several Trade Me users.

One asked: "How authentic is the hug? Does it have any sort of guarantee? Do you happen to have a Ninja hug as well? I'm trying to collect the set. Thanks in advance!"

Mr Tannahill-Swift answered: "Well, normally it's the No1 rule to kill a Ninja on sight for a pirate, but a ninja is never seen. Depending on where I have to travel, I could maybe chuck a ninja hug in for free. No promises though."

Another asked: "Will you be making pirate noises (ie: ooooh arrrr) during the hug?" "Possibly before and after," was the reply.

The auction closes on Monday at 9.40pm and already bids have passed Mr Tannahill-Swift's expectation.

"To be honest I was expecting about $5-$10," he said.

A motorised drinking couch, which was also auctioned on the Trade Me site, raised $495 for inventor Ryan Ogle, who added wheels and the rear end of a 50cc scooter to his old green armchair.

He knocked up a steering system from scrap metal. KARLA AKUHATA