MORE than 150 exciting lots will be on offer at an auction to raise money for Halwill Primary School next week.

The auction of promises on Friday July 11 is being held to raise money for an ICT suite at the school.

Gail Shinn, chair of the Friends of Halwill School group, said: ?This is a much needed resource that unfortunately the school?s own budget can?t meet.

?There are 87 children in classrooms that are old and inadequate. However, we are making the most of our buildings and this was highlighted in our recent Ofsted inspection.

?A new school has been promised, but until this materialises, we are continuing to work hard for the children of our school.?

Gail said the headteacher, staff, governors and parents have improved school buildings by decorating and holding maintenance weekends ? now they are appealing to the wider community to support the school by attending the auction of promises, which is being held at Halwill Village Hall.

Gail said: ?We have over 150 interesting, useful and unusual lots on offer which include tickets to theme parks, a holiday, a tour of the houses of Parliament including Big Ben, meals and even a ride in a hot air balloon!?

She said all the promises have been donated by parents, businesses and TV celebrities. There will be a bar, pasties and snacks to make the occasion a really sociable event. The evening starts at 7.30pm, with auctioning beginning at 8pm. Catalogues are available from Halwill shops, pub and post office or by ringing 01837 871286 or 521 ? promises will be gratefully received up to the start of the auction.