Norfolk-born TV presenter Jake Humphrey with his shirt which was jokingly scribbled on by Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel.

Norfolk charity Break is set for its own lucky break as motor-racing fans frantically bid for a shirt signed by Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel.

Charity patron and BBC presenter Jake Humphrey was wearing the shirt at last month’s Japanese Grand Prix when - in the type of moment all interviewers dread - Vettel began scribbling on it live on television.

The laid-back presenter, who grew up in Norfolk, breezed through the moment and then thought there might be a way of turning his temporary embarrassment to the advantage of Break, the charity of which he is patron.

The former Hewett School pupil put the shirt up for auction on Sellebrity - a charity auction website founded by former Norwich City star Darren Eadie - and encouraged friends and colleagues, including ex-footballer Gary Lineker and television celebrity Fearne Cotton to publicise the fact on Twitter.

His hope expressed on Twitter that Vettel’s “naughtyness can do some good” was more than realised when an estimated five million Formula One fans visited the website - and sent it crashing on the first day of the auction.

However, Eadie was far from concerned - in fact he was delighted with the response.

With the website - sellebrity.org.uk - running again, bidding has already reached about £350 and the auction will not close until 8pm on November 25, the day of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Martin Green, fund-raising officer for Break, which supports children and families and has the slogan “Changing young lives”, said the response had been amazing.

He praised the support of Norwich firm Premier Shirt Framing, which had framed the shirt free of charge.