Koran-burning pastor is given a new car for not carrying out his planned stunt on September 11

Handover:Brad Benson, right, gives a new car to Florida pastor Terry Jones, center, for not burning the Koran on September 11. The reverend immediately donated the car to Paul Johnson of women's refuge Women Rising

A Florida pastor who drew international criticism by threatening to burn a copy of the Koran picked up a free car today - his reward from a New Jersey car dealer for calling it off.
Former New York Giants player Brad Benson, who is now New Jersey's largest car dealer, offered Florida pastor Terry Jones a 2011 Hyundai Accent worth $14,200 if he would agree not to burn the Muslim holy book.
Rev Jones had threatened to do it on September 11 but backed down after the international outcry.

Mr Benson said he adorned the car with peace symbols as a 'little jab' at the reverend

The pastor arrived at Brad Benson Mitsubishi Hyundai in South Brunswick today to collect the car, which he promptly donated to a charity.
The pastor said the offer Mr Benson made in one of his dealership's quirky radio adverts was not the reason he decided to cancel the Koran burning, and that he only heard about it a few weeks after September 11.
Rev Jones said: 'We thought if he wants to give a car, then why not take it and pass it on to another non-profit organisation.'
The pastor donated the car to a Jersey City shelter that helps abused women
Paul Johnson, the chief financial officer for Women Rising, said he was surprised to hear that the shelter was getting the car and under such unusual circumstances.
He added: 'I couldn't believe it at first, I thought it was a prank.'
Mr Benson added giant removable vinyl American flag-emblazoned peace signs on the hood and roof, which he said were meant as a 'little jab' at Jones.
He added: 'I'm just really glad that in the end something really good came out of all this.'
Mr Benson paid for Rev Jones to fly out to New Jersey to fill out the paperwork.
Security was tight at the dealership, as Rev Jones admitted he received more than 100 death threats since he first said he would burn a Koran.
His planned stunt drew opposition from across the world. President Barack Obama appealed to him on television, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates called him personally.
General David Petraeus, head of the U.S. mission in Afghanistan, said carrying out the plan would have endangered American troops.
Mr Benson's offer to the reverend was part of a regular 'idiot award' segment, where Mr Benson singles out newsmakers. Others have included actress Lindsey Lohan, actor Mel Gibson and baseball star Roger Clemens.