THE RISING costs of running a playgroup has meant Rainbow Preschool in Okehampton has had to think big to come up with a way of raising money.
The playgroup, which was started up 20 years ago, is holding a grand charity auction on April 14 and is hoping for support from the whole area.
Joan Soby, who has been running the Rainbow Preschool with Margaret Sage for ten years, said to abide by the new curriculum there was always new equipment to buy and rising rent and wage costs had to be met.
'We are in the same boat as every other preschool — it is hard to keep up with the rising costs,' she said.
The group meets from Tuesday to Fridays in the Baptist Church Hall which is the venue for the auction and many local businesses have donated items for the event.
Among the donations are meals for two, a photographic portrait, an appointment at the hairdressers, a golf session, chiropody session and a wedding dress.
Attractions in the area from the Gnome Reserve to Rosemoor Gardens have given tickets and from further afield support has been received in the form of high street clothing store vouchers, a hot air balloon flight, theatre tickets and a trip to Lundy Island aboard M.S Oldenburg plus many more.
Mrs Soby said even celebrities had joined in with Noel Edmonds and Tony Blair donating items. Approximately 150 lots have been promised.
All the items can be viewed between 9am and 5pm on the day before the bidding begins at 7pm.
Any further donations can be made by phoning Margaret Sage on 01837 54732.