Thousands of pounds have been raised at an auction of show home goods, proving charity really does begin at home.

The auction of furniture, including beds, tables and settees, mirrors, bed linen and ornaments, was held in Wootton Bassett on Friday.

Persimmon Homes emptied three of their show homes on the Wootton Vale estate, on the site of the old St Ivel factory, to donate to the auction, raising £6,332 for Help For Heroes.

Organiser Catherine Marshall, a sales manager for Persimmon, said: “There were a couple of houses on the site which were show homes and we decided to do an auction to sell off the furniture.

“Because we are in Wootton Bassett and it’s close to Lyneham, and because we have been working close to the military doing roadshows, we decided we would give the money to Help for Heroes.

“We sold everything and there were some things that went for a really good price.”

More than 50 people, including collectors, developers and residents, attended the auction on Station Road and a large cheque will be sent off to the Help for Heroes this week.

Auctioneer Neill Saint of the Hilditch Auction Group, based in Malmesbury, said: “There was some nice stuff and it made the charity some money.

“As it was for Help for Heroes we agreed to do the auction for nothing – we lotted and catalogued the equipment. There were about 100 lots in total.”

nA DARTS competition in aid of Help for Heroes due to take place at the Royal Oak in Devizes last Sunday has been postponed.

Organiser Wendy Bryant said: “We postponed the competition until January 16. This will enable the Wiltshire superleague and county players to participate as they have no fixtures for that date.”

It will be a mixed darts competition.

For details ring Ms Bryant on 07745 456277.