Charity auction nearing online climax

Generous bidders have raised thousands of pounds over the last four weeks towards fun-filled days out for the estimated 85,000 children looking after a sick or disabled loved one in Yorkshire.

And even more money is set to be raised in an exciting sealed bid auction next Saturday, featuring some exclusive, money-can’t-buy gifts and experiences.

Up for grabs online this week is a chauffeured drive for two through the Dales in two classic Morgan cars, followed by a deluxe afternoon tea at the award-winning Yorebridge House in the Wensleydale village of Bainbridge.

Charlotte and Dave Reilly, owners of Yorebridge House, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Yorkshire Post charity auction and the young people that will benefit from this, the region’s young carers.

“These young people devote so much time to looking after someone in their own family, and in doing so miss out on what should be a more carefree childhood.

“We hope everyone will bid generously, as the money will go towards some real fun days out.”

A tour of T&R Theakston’s brewery in Masham, North Yorkshire, is also going under the hammer, including two nights’ stay at the nearby White Bear Hotel and a day’s salmon fly fishing on the River Ure.

Executive director Simon Theakston said: “As a long established Yorkshire company we are delighted to be offering this prize to help support an excellent cause that will ultimately benefit young carers’ throughout the region.”

Also on offer is the chance to tour the House of Commons and enjoy lunch with David Davis, the Conservative MP for Haltemprice and Howden.

The lot includes first class return train travel to London for two adults and two children courtesy of Grand Central.

A tour and cheese-tasting session at artisan Yorkshire producer Shepherds Purse Cheeses is also on offer as well as a box of ice-cream and lollies from appeal sponsor R&R Ice Cream and a year’s supply of Yorkshire Tea from Taylor’s of Harrogate.

For culture vultures, the chance to be the first to see Sprite Productions’ open air Shakespeare production of The Comedy of Errors at Ripley Castle is up for grabs as well as a pair of VIP tickets to see JLS at the new Leeds Arena.

A copy of A Very Strange Way To Go To War by Yorkshire Post assistant editor Andrew Vine, which tells the remarkable story of the luxury liner SS Canberra’s role in the Falklands War for the first time, would make an ideal gift for a history buff.

And advice from leading financial business Ellis Bates is also going under the hammer.

For full details of all lots and to get bidding, visit www.yorkshirepost.co.uk and follow the links through to eBay.

The auction closes at 5pm next Friday, December 14.