Charging Brisbane school kids for photo-op with `Pup' Clarke draws flak
23 Jul 2008, 1320 Hrs

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Melbourne, July 23 (ANI): A Brisbane school's plan to charge students 50 dollars to have their photo taken with Australian cricketer Michael Clarke and wearing his baggy green cap has been roundly criticised.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Clarke and his fiancée Lara Bingle are to attend the St. Columba's Primary School fete on August 2 in an appearance agreed upon through his manager Chris White, whose children attend the school.

And while pictures of the future Australian skipper without his sacred green cap will be free, a snap of Clarke and the child with the cap on is being sold for 50 dollars, with all money going towards the construction of an outdoor, undercover sporting shelter for the school in Brisbane's northern suburb of Wilston.

A representative from the St Columba's Parents and Friends Association, Di Hempenstall, confirmed the arrangement, saying it had been given the green light by Clarke's manager.

However, not all families are happy about the hefty asking price, with at least one parent contacting The Daily Telegraph's sister paper, The Courier-Mail, to complain.

"It seems like an awful lot of money, I would think," said the person, who declined to be named.

Clarke's manager yesterday said his multi-millionaire client would be accessible and approachable to everyone present at the fete next month but refused to comment further.

It is understood Clarke and Bingle will spend several hours at the fete with Bingle painting children's faces and doing a hula hoop exhibition. (ANI)