THE bids have been rolling in for a charity auction being organised by Wellington woman Jacki Penny.

Jacki, funeral arranger at Wellington Funeralcare in Bulford, is running the fundraiser in aid St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice.

The auction was publicised in last week’s WWN and on Friday Jacki said: “I have had loads of bids already, so I am really pleased.”

Among the lots on offer is a day with the Royal Marines, 40 Commando, based in Taunton, which could be perfect for a hen or stag do, or birthday present.

Sgt Ralph Gorringe, of 40 Commando, said the day could be catered towards a family group or party of friends and different age ranges. It could include an indoor laser firing range, tours of the camp in different types of transport, gym sessions, fitness advice or obstacle course.

One of the other lots is seats in the wings of a Royal Ballet performance during the 2018-19 season given by its director, Kevin O’Hare. That also includes a short backstage tour of the Royal Opera House.

Anyone who wants to bid on the items listed below should send or hand in their bids in a sealed envelope addressed CELEBRITY ITEMS AUCTION, to the Wellington Weekly News, 26 High Street, Wellington TA21 8RA, or to Wellington Funeralcare, Three Cups Yard, Bulford, Wellington TA21 8DE. DO NOT INCLUDE ANY MONEY.

Bidders should state the lot number, lot description and their bid, and give their name, address and phone number. Anyone bidding for more than one item is asked to write bids on a separate piece of paper for each lot. Bidding will close on Friday, December 15, at 5pm with the winners contacted shortly after.

In the event of queries contact Jacki Penny on 01823 662363 or email [email protected] All the lots can now be viewed at Wellington Funeralcare.

The charity lots:

Lot 1 – Signed Nike tennis shirt from Roger Federer.

Lot 2 – Signed Nike headband tie from tennis player Victoria Azarenka.

Lot 3 – Pair of Rio Ferdinand’s football boots, signed.

Lot 4 – Seats in the wings of a Royal Ballet performance on a mutually agreed date during the 2018-19 season at the Royal Opera House with short back stage tour. Travelling and accommodation are not included. Seats given by Kevin O’Hare, director of the Royal Ballet.

Lot 5 – New Ted Baker nude pink and black leather handbag with dust cover.

Lot 6 – Two strong cloth Ted Baker shopping bags and one bright pink faux leather bag with iconic French bulldog lining, and a boxed Ted Baker phone cover to fit iPhone models 7/6/6s

Lot 7 – New, boxed GTech multi hand-held vacuum.

Lot 8 – 100ml Prada perfume, plus Versace black backpack and Boots goodie bag of samples.

Lot 9 – Signed art book from Turner prize winner Grayson Perry.

Lot 10 – Signed photo and BBC news script from Fiona Bruce.

Lot 11 – Pink flamingo light from Party Pieces, owned by the Duchess of Cambridge’s mother, Carole Middleton.

Lot 12 – Signed photos from Theresa May PM and Boris Johnson MP.

Lot 13 – Signed photos from the entire cast of Good Morning Britain, and Neighbours.

Lot 14 – Experience day with the Royal Marines, 40 Commando, based in Taunton.

Lot 15 – Stunning, 137cm tall pink flamingo willow sculpture from Musgrove Willow, grown and sculpted on the Somerset Levels.

Lot 16 – Beautiful autumn hues scarf from novelist Jilly Cooper.

Lot 17 – Birmingham City football shirt signed by former manager Harry Redknapp.

Lot 18 – Two tickets for the National Motorcycle Museum, near Birmingham.