A CHARITY auction has raised more than £1,600 for a fundraising campaign to build new premises for scouts and guides in Staindrop.

About 150 people attended Staindrop Primary School, on Saturday, for an evening of live music and an auction of promises, which had been open for online bidding for several weeks before the event.

Among the most successful lots being sold were a visit to Headlam Hall, for £130, a Defender mountain bike, donated by Jewson of Barnard Castle, for £80, X Factor tickets, from ITV, for £55, a meat voucher from Joe Simpson, for £60, French conversation with Angela Arundel, for £40, and Karen Bell’s boot camp, for £45.

The Staindrop Scouts and Guides need to raise £155,000 to replace the dilapidated hut where they currently meet.

Group leader, Jacqui Nicholson said: “Our utmost gratitude goes to all contributors and purchasers, for everyone that attended the event, and all those who bid online.

“The music was fantastic from Anna Stainton and Unplugged - who played three extra encores.”

Meanwhile, a bar provided by the Scarth Hall, from the village, raised £250 towards its own refurbishment campaign.