Christmas countdown begins with another 10 auction lots

Among this week’s lots is the chance to adopt one of Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s four new giraffes –Jaspar, Palle, Jambo or Behensin.

The year-long adoption package includes the exciting chance to meet and feed the gentle giants at the Doncaster attraction – the perfect present for any animal-lover.

Park director Cheryl Williams said: “We are delighted to offer up this very special prize.

“Young carers are really unsung heroes who make a huge difference to the people they look after.

“Often they are old beyond their years – we wanted to give them a chance to have some fun.”

Gastronomes are well-catered for with this week’s lots, which include a seven-course tasting menu for two at the Michelin-starred Black Swan at Oldstead, North Yorkshire. The pub also boasts three AA Rosettes and critics have praised its “terrific cuisine, immaculately presented without fuss or pretension”.

A special Sunday lunch cooked for up to 10 people in your own home is also on offer courtesy of Lockwoods on Location, the catering arm of Lockwoods restaurant in Ripon.

Anyone stuck for gift ideas for the men in their families need look no further than the money-can’t-buy Ginetta race day experience, with a pair of tickets to a Ginetta GT Supercup and Junior Championship round next season.

The highest bidder and their guest will spend the day at Croft Race Track, North Yorkshire, on June 23 next year soaking up the atmosphere at the British Touring Car Championship, of which Ginetta’s pair of single-make championships act as the main support.

The day includes an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour around the paddock as the drivers and cars prepare to take to the track, as well as lunch in the Ginetta race centre with the teams and drivers.

For those who prefer a more leisurely pace of life, a beautiful bespoke walking stick is also going under the hammer. It will be designed by a Yorkshire craftsman in consultation with the highest bidder to suit their personal requirements and hand-made using locally-sourced materials.

Also on offer are 10 front row seats for Theatre Royal Wakefield’s pantomime, Cinderella, on January 2, including the chance to meet Cinderella and her Ugly Sisters – a magical present for children.

For full details of all the lots and to get bidding, visit our website and follow the auction links from our homepage. Bidding closes on this week’s lots at 5pm on Friday, December 7 and the final 10 will be announced the following day.

A handful of special items will later be offered via a sealed bid auction.