Now's the time to bid for touch of magic

In full: The Yorkshire Post Christmas Appeal

There are a range of unique lots that would be special gifts for others – or even yourself - and all proceeds are going to this very worthwhile cause in our exciting online auction.

Bids can placed from Saturday for prizes such as a Bettys Cookery School course and a family rover ticket for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

You can also bid for a dinner, barbecue and golf experience at Harrogate's Rudding Park, a year's supply of organic vegetables from Riverford Organic, or two tickets for a West Yorkshire Playhouse performance and overnight stay at the smart City Inn in the centre of Leeds.

New lots will be announced every week to raise funds for the appeal, which is sponsored by Grant Thornton.

You could even bid to be Yorkshire Post Business Editor for the day, or for a tour of the House of Commons with an MP as a guide – a trip which comes with first-class rail travel via East Coast Mainline.

One of the lots on offer is also four VIP tickets to a Night at the Opera, part of the White Rose Winter Festival at Ripley Castle in Harrogate, on December 2.

Shan Robinson, one of the festival directors, said: "It's a brand new festival and will be a magical Christmas experience inside medieval Ripley Castle.

"It will have performances from stars of the West End and the world of opera. It is a prestigious event for Christmas time and it's nice that through it we can help those communities in need."

Gary Verity, chief executive of tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "The White Rose Winter Festival at Ripley Castle is an event to be excited about. Yorkshire will be offering some of the UK's greatest classical musical entertainment."