KIVELLS auctioneers of Devon and Cornwall have helped to raise more than £40,000 for local charities and good causes during 2010/11 and are confident they will round it up to the magical £50,000 figure by the end of the year.

Senior auctioneer David Kivell said: 'We are delighted to support community groups and charities to include North Devon Hospice, Devon Air Ambulance, Exeter Leukemia Fund (ELF), to mention just a few.'

The biggest charity auction of the year that Kivells conducted was at Hartland Abbey where auctioneers James Morrish and David Kivell raised over £20,000 throughout two evenings.

Speaking on Saturday evening after the charity event at the Durrant House Hotel at Bideford, James Morrish said: 'As a firm, we always try to do our bit to help and support others and tonight was no exception.

'However, being the auctioneer is only part of the story, because without the generosity of those who bid and purchase the auction lots it would be an impossible task.'