SCUBA diving, a Cornish holiday, and glass blowing are just some of the prizes on offer as part of an auction of promises.

Island Community Action (ICA) is organising the special event on Portland tonight.

Local businesses and individuals from across the Island have offered a wide variety of services, including days out, experiences, meals and more. Money raised will go towards ICA’s Helping Hands project, which supports older people across Portland. It delivers services, including befriending, community transport, DIY and gardening.

Katy Pascoe, Helping Hands project manager, said: “This is the first time ICA will be holding an auction of promises.

“We know it’s always been a popular event that’s raised funds.

“Local businesses and people have been very generous in the donation of lots that we have had given to us to auction off. We were actually donated over 70 lots which we have to combine because we have got an auctioneer coming from Dukes.”

Katy said: “We are also currently raising funds to enable us to put on our annual seniors’ Christmas meal, which is something we have been doing for nine years. We take 80 older people over to the Lobster Pot on Portland for a three course dinner.

“Some of the people that come to that we know that’s the only Christmas meal they have. For several of them it’s the only time they have left their homes in the past 12 months.”

Katy said people attending the auction should expect a really good fun event.

She said: “With Christmas just around the corner and peoples’ purses being tightened, this could be the perfect opportunity to get quality Christmas presents at bargain prices.”

The auction will take place today at the Jubilee Hall in Easton. Doors open at 7pm, and a licensed bar will be available.

Entry to the event is £3 and includes a sausage and chip supper, provided by CodFathers Fish and Chip shop. Tickets are available from the ICA Office in Easton and from Elite Hair Salon in Chiswell.

If you would like to offer sponsorship for this event or find out more, please contact Katy on 01305 823789 or email islandcommunityaction@btconnect.com.