AUCTIONEERS have a lot of high hopes of selling 500 items for charity.

Keebles is holding a charity auction in aid of Autism Wessex.

It has been organised after the nephew of Mike Keeble, owner of the auction house, was diagnosed with autism.

Kellie Crawley, who works part time for the business, said: "This is our first event like this and we have high hopes.

"It's something that runs close to our hearts now and we want to give something back.

"We usually run at least 500 items per auction, so we are looking to do the same thing here, with all the money going to Autism Wessex.

"We have a lot of regular customers who have pledged items to us but we are also hoping that we reach further afield too.

"It would be something I would like to keep doing, even if it's just once a year and choose a different local charity each time."

More than 30 businesses from in and around the area have donated towards the auction so far.

They have received donations from a variety of organisations, from New Body Fitness, The Tank Museum, Farmer Palmers Theme Park, Abbotsbury Gardens, Lulworth Castle, Osprey Leisure Centre, Kingston Maurward College, Swanage Railway and many more.

Kellie and Mike have received a wide selection of donations, from a gold ring, a watch, a pearl bracelet and earrings, a mackintosh brooch and a selection of vouches including one for a brewery tour.

There will also be a number of collection boxes at the event for people who want to give cash donations.

Autism Wessex is the regional charity providing specialist services for people affected by autism and associated difficulties across the counties of Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

While there is no cure for autism, the charity believes that with appropriate education, support or care and by making the world an easier place to understand, the impact of autism can be reduced and people with autism can be active citizens enjoying maximum independence and a good quality of life.

Emily Pike, corporate partnerships officer at Autism Wessex, said: "We are delighted that Keebles Auction House has chosen to hold a charity auction in aid of us. As a charity, we rely heavily on the generosity of our supporters to enable us to deliver and invest in our services and so on behalf of everyone at Autism Wessex, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all at Keebles for their fantastic support."

The auction will be held on Saturday May 30.

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