'Bed-testing bottom' valued at £1m

A bed-tester's behind is so sensitive it has been insured for a million pounds, it was revealed this week.

Graham Butterfield works for Silentnight and he has become known as the company's official "bed tester" because he can detect what mattresses are made from and how effective they are just by sitting on them.

In his role, he bounces on some of the contemporary beds made by Silentnight and gives feedback to the designers on texture and comfort.

And the 54-year-old is so useful to the company that it decided to take out insurance to protect his asset.

"I have increased sensitivity around the buttocks and can literally feel the difference in materials and fillings used, simply by sitting on it," Mr Butterfield explained to the BBC.

"I'm sure I'm the butt of everyone's jokes."

Insuring body parts has become more and more common in recent years, with celebrities often taking out cover on a specific attribute.

Supermodel Heidi Klum is reported to have insured her legs for $2.2 million (£1.1 million) and singer Bruce Springsteen insured his voice for $6 million.

Classic Bed Company is the UK's premier bed store for ultimate comfort and luxury offering Tempur, Vi Spring, Willis Gambier, French sleigh beds and contemporary beds online.