A PERSHORE auctioneer has been handed £100 to buy an antique to sell at the Acorns Summer Ball.

National event organiser DMG Antique Fairs has given the cash to Richard Williams to buy the item on behalf of Acorns Children's Hospice Trust.

Mr Williams will then auction the piece at the Evening News-backed Acorns Summer Ball.

He will choose the item at the Malvern Antiques Fair, this Sunday, at the Three Counties Showground. Bidders will have the chance to pit their wallets against each other for the piece and several other lots at the ball on Saturday, July 27.

Revellers at the black tie event, at Worcester Rugby Club, will enjoy a three-course meal, auction, band and disco.

On display will be a round-up of the fund-raising events so far and a running total of how much cash has been raised towards the new Bath Road site.

Evening News editor Stewart Gilbert revealed plans for the event were going well.

"The auction is going from strength to strength and we're putting the final touches to a complete set of items for bids," he said.

"It looks to be a great night and we're finalising plans for a top-notch band.

"We're looking for Worcester businesses to support the event by taking a table."

Tickets cost £35 and are available on 01905 454183.

Cash raised will be put towards the £4m needed for work to start on the new hospice.

So far, donations totalling more than £50,000 have poured in.

Anyone wanting to pledge cash should call 01905 767676.