Bids at the ready as our first lots go under hammer

You could be taking lunch in Staithes after a morning's coastal foraging.

Exclusive photoshoots, a VIP theatre package and five-star dining experiences are among some of the 10 offerings going under the hammer.

And what makes these prize lots extra special is the fact that every penny handed over by bidders will support the campaign to secure the funds for specialist launch equipment needed for Scarborough RNLI’s new Shannon class lifeboat.

So far, £142,555 has been raised towards the £200,000 cost of the equipment, called a Supacat, and The Yorkshire Post is urging readers to seize the opportunity to spread some festive cheer and show their support.

Foodies across the region are bound to lap up the chance for with a truly special afternoon at the Star Inn, in Harome, near Helmsley. The restaurant, which recently regained its Michelin star, is offering a very special Sunday lunch for four people.

And as fine dining ought to come with fine company, the winning party will be joined by Gary Verity, the man credited with bringing the Tour de France to the region.

Just as the Grand Depart showcased the very best of Yorkshire, the Star Inn’s chef and patron Andrew Pern uses an array of locally-sourced ingredients to create the delicious dishes which earned the restaurant a place in the food-lover’s bible.

“For me, seasonal Yorkshire produce will always be the best ingredient I can have on the menus at my restaurant,” he said.

“We look forward to serving some of the best Yorkshire food with warm Yorkshire hospitality to the winner of our prize.”

Over a mouth-watering meal the diners will get the chance to give a grilling of their own to Mr Verity. As the chief executive of tourism body Welcome to Yorkshire he knows just how important Yorkshire’s RNLI crews are.

Mr Verity said: “We’re delighted to support this worthy campaign and cause, as the lifeboat provides a first class service that helps save lives. Scarborough is one the country’s most visited holiday destinations and the original holiday resort – yet another jewel in Yorkshire’s crown. So anything people can do to help support and raise the profile of the lifeboat should be supported.”

More is on offer in the way of tantalising tasebuds with a day out for six people foraging on the Yorkshire coast with television’s Taste the Wild experts.

Boutique chain Hotel du Vin and Bistro, a collection of 15 town house and city centre properties with particular emphasis on food and drink, is giving a lucky bidder and a guest the chance to enjoy an overnight stay at one of its UK venues, with breakfast and a three-course dinner included.

Other lots include the chance to take on the role of business editor at The Yorkshire Post for a day, name a race at Wetherby racecourse and a VIP trip to the House of Commons.

A photoshoot with the official Grand Depart photographer Jude Palmer, 10 backstage passes and tickets to see Harrogate Theatre’s pantomime Cinderella, a Hit the Surf beach safety course for 10 people and once-in-a-lifetime trip up Emley Moor mast cap off the selection of wonderful Christmas treats.

• Visit www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/appeal for the chance to get your hands on one of our 10 sale items and keep up-to-speed with what’s on offer on twitter @yorkshirepost #YPxmasauction and also follow The Yorkshire Post’s Facebook page.