CHEQUEBOOK journalism is a shallow and sleazy business. Even those known to complain about Press intrusion frequently give in to temptation and sign up to a national tabloid or Hello magazine when the time comes to cash in on their fame.

But while it is one thing for the likes of the Beckhams or Liz Hurley to sell their stories, it is quite another for members of the armed forces.

We do not underestimate the ordeal of the Royal Navy crew members who were held captive in Iran but, as serving personnel, they should not be encouraged to enter into undignified deals with the media for personal gain.

It is just a few days since the country celebrated their release at the same time as it mourned the loss of another four British lives in Iraq.

And we join the families of those who have died serving their country in deploring this sordid outbreak of horse trading, which goes against the grain and creates a worrying precedent.

Is every serving member of the armed forces with a marketable experience now going to be encouraged to grab what they can? If so, how will that be managed in a way that ensures sensitive information is not leaked?

We believe there is a clear solution to this problem. All the money made from interviews should be pooled and donated to an organisation which for 86 years has cared for and supported past and present members of the armed forces.

It is called the Royal British Legion and its track record is second to none.