Arresting day out it would be criminal to miss

The Yorkshire Post is giving you and a guest the chance to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime day out with West Yorkshire Police and lunch with chief officers at the force's headquarters.

You can bid for a "ride along" experience with the force's units including the motorway patrol, mounted section, dog section, control room and firearms unit in our Christmas charity auction.

And you could even get the chance to ride in the force's air support unit helicopter, if it is not being scrambled for an operational deployment or grounded for essential maintenance.

The auction is in support of the Yorkshire Post Christmas appeal which together with the Community Foundation Network hopes to help those less fortunate this winter.

The highest bidder can go with a guest to the West Yorkshire Operations Support Unit on a convenient day before next July.

The force will even collect you from your home if you live in West Yorkshire.

In addition to the "ride along", chief constable Sir Norman Bettison will arrange to host you and your guest to lunch with some of his chief officers at the force's base. Sir Norman said: "The local Community Foundation charities throughout Yorkshire provide real help to our neighbours in need. As trustee with the Wakefield Community Trust, I know that it makes a real difference to people's lives in the community.

"The Christmas campaign by the Yorkshire Post is a wonderful way of bringing those in need to the attention of the people of Yorkshire and the Humber. I know that they will respond to this local call. Charity, as they say, begins at home."

This prize is just one of a host of items being auctioned by the Yorkshire Post as part of our Communities in Need appeal this Christmas, supported by chartered accountants Grant Thornton.

Sir Norman added: "Some of the auction prizes are remarkable and I am delighted to offer the sort of opportunity that money can't buy – a day out with West Yorkshire Police in all its guises.

"I look forward to personally welcoming the successful bidder to the force for the day and I can assure you that the financial contribution will be well spent in relieving need in the West Yorkshire community."

As well as this exciting lot, there are a number of other great Christmas presents you can bid for in the fourth week of our appeal which is helping grassroots across Yorkshire. Every penny will be spent in the region.

Among other prizes, the Yorkshire TV sitcom Last of the Summer Wine ended this year after decades on our screens, but you can own a special piece of memorabilia by bidding for a signed book on the inside story.

If you fancy getting away from it all, then you can bid for a winter break in the stunning sea view penthouse at luxury self-catering apartments The Sands, in Scarborough.

The gala opening of the Bradford International Film Festival in March promises to be an exciting event, so we've got two VIP tickets on offer.

You can also bid for two sessions with your own personal trainer, Lisa Heptonstall, and get a free seven-day membership pass to the Nuffield Health Club in Harrogate.

Or intensive and indulgent treatment is promised for two guests at the Cedar Court Grand hotel in York, as part of their Great Escape spa package on offer.

Meanwhile a Christmas celebration is taking place at Halifax Minster later this month to help raise funds for the Yorkshire Post appeal.

The event will feature a variety of performances by the Halifax Choral Society, Northern Orchestra's Future Heroes, Ryburn Valley High Dancers and Square Chapel Brass.

The evening, which starts at 7pm on December 11, is being organised by Calderdale Community Foundation and its founder, Lord Shutt of Greetland, will be a special guest.

Tickets are available for 10 from Halifax Minster, Harvey's or the Community Foundation for Calderdale. For more details, call 01422 349700.

YOU CAN ALSO DONATE TO THE APPEAL...

ONLINE: Log onto www.justgiving.com/communitiesinneed Secure donations can be made using credit or debit cards.

SEND A CHEQUE: Make cheques payable to the LCF Communities In Need Appeal, and send to: Leeds Community Foundation, 51a St Paul's Street, Leeds LS1 2TE. When sending in cheques, donors must include their contact details to enable the Yorkshire Communities Foundation to check if the donation is eligible for Gift Aid.

PAY IN AT THE BANK: Simply walk into any branch of the Yorkshire Bank and make a donation to the LCF Communities in Need appeal. Quote the following details: Account No 11479437, Sort Code 05-00-20.