Jackie Wrayy and Sandra Herbert Picture Ref: 77073-16SWINDON'S multiple sclerosis centre is gearing up for its bumper charity auction next Friday.

The Swindon Therapy Centre For Multiple Sclerosis has now received all the goods it was promised, as well as some extra ones staff were not expecting.

Tomorrow is the last chance to buy tickets for the event but bids can be made over the phone up until 1pm on Friday, April 29.

As previously reported, a rare Harry Potter book, signed by author J K Rowling, will be going under the hammer.

As the author seldom signs books the copy is worth about £1,500.

Celebrity interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has also sent a signed copy of his book Design Rules to be put up for bidding.

It costs more than £30,000 a year to run the MS Centre at BSS House, Cheney Manor, all of which has to come from fundraising.

Swindon-based building society Nationwide has now stepped in to help and donated two VIP tickets to a Swindon game and a pair of tickets to an England match.

And Northampton auctioneer Tim Corby, who will be running the show for free, has given a photograph of racehorse Red Rum, signed by jockey Tommy Stacks who rode the horse to victory in the 1977 Grand National.

The auction will be on Friday, April 29 at the Hilton Hotel, West Swindon.

Other lots up for grabs will include an England baseball cap signed by World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst, a signed Elton John Greatest Hits CD and two tickets to an England World Cup qualifying game.

The Bullfrogs, a local rhythm and blues band, will provide the entertainment and there will be a hot food buffet.

Tickets for the auction cost £12.50. To book or to make a bid call 01793 481700 or 01793 791125.

Gareth Bethell