The self-respect of Ashtead has been auctioned on eBay by servicemen stunned by objections to a proposed guest house for relatives of heroes wounded in Afghanistan or Iraq.

The campaigners invited mischievous bids to shame about 100 villagers opposed to the planning application by the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA).

Last week, we revealed the strength of hostility to the plans to support reservists recovering at nearby Headley Court rehabilitation centre.

Owners of multi-million pound properties were worried that adapting the six-bedroom house in Grays Lane would bring increased traffic and noise.

After the story appeared readers posted 65 messages on our website - mostly expressing dismay and disgust at the "nimbyism".

There were also directions to the eBay auction, where the self-respect of Ashtead fetched about £48 before being removed because of a link to a Downing Street petition.

Among those who vented frustrations were serving members of the armed forces, their relatives, hospital workers and embarrassed residents.

Jeffrey Davis, from Telford, wrote: "I was a resident at Headley Court when my father was in the RAF, and the dignity of the men and women undergoing treatment there is sufficient to humble even the hardest heart. These sickening Nimbys make me ashamed to call myself British."

Laura Smith, from Germany, was waiting for her husband to be deployed to Iraq when she was moved to comment.

"The selfishness of these people is absolutely disgusting."

Ashtead Residents' Association pointed out that many local people had expressed support but only objectors' letters were published by Mole Valley District Council.