'Jury' out for football

It has all the hallmarks of a genuine call to attend jury service tomorrow.

But bosses should beware that a batch of letters requesting staff 's attendance at 12.30pm have more to do with England's World Cup match against Argentina than the legal system.

With a crest at the top of the page and an "official" juror number, managers could be fooled into thinking the letter is the real thing.

But if they read it carefully they will see jurors are requested to go to "a pub or similar establishment near your house or office".

The banner weaving in and out of the crest is emblazoned with the words "Come on England". At the bottom, it says the jury summoning officer "has no authority whatsoever".

The letter has been sent to 500 clients by advertising company Farm Communications, which says "it should do the job when waved under your boss's nose".

Owen Lee, who designed the form, said: "It is a bit of fun, but we have had a few people who have been fooled and called up asking where they should go for jury service."