A walk-on part in hit TV series Doc Martin is just one of the lots up for grabs to the highest bidder at an upcoming Dorchester charity auction.

Beaminster resident and actor Martin Clunes will invite the winner to appear in front of an audience of millions in the ninth and final series of the ITV medical drama. The prize is the most eye-catching of the 20 lots announced by organisers the Dorchester Opportunity Group, a pre-school facility for children with special needs.

The auction will be presided over by top auctioneer Garry Batt of Duke's in Dorchester, while gourmet canapés and Prosecco will be provided by former Masterchef winner and local restaurateur Mat Follas and his business partner Katy Barnard. Ingredients will be provided by Brace of Butchers in Poundbury, with wine from the Dorset Wine Company.

The event will be held at The Bramble Café in Poundbury, on Thursday, May 10.

As well as the chance at a moment in the TV spotlight, the exciting lots include a round of golf for four people at the Dorset Golf and Country; a hamper of Duchy groceries; advice on ergonomics and furniture from Office Reality; luxury chocolates from The House of Dorchester; and the use, for one long weekend, of a top-mark Mercedes convertible from Dorchester's Sandown Mercedes-Benz dealership.

On offer also are a flight up The Jurassic Coast with BSK Services’ Brian Keene, a cooking lesson with Mr Follas and valuations for insurance purposes from Jordans Jewellers, plus a silver pendant and matching bracelet and a one-day workshop with Compass Video, creating your own corporate video, using your smartphone.

There are also lots from Winchester’s Shooting School and two adult tickets to the Dorset County Show (children go free).

Last year's auction at the same venue raised some £2,500, but with other sources of funding squeezed, the organisers are hoping for some £4000 in proceeds from this year's event.

Paul Nathanson, lead organiser and patron of The Dorchester Opportunity Group, said: “We’re delighted that Mat has offered to help us again and are greatly indebted to all those who have offered lots for the auction. Not to mention Garry Batt at Dukes Auctioneers, Brace of Butchers, Waitrose and The Dorset Wine Company.

“All our children are unique with unique needs and we provide one-to-one support. Since the end of the annual Big Lottery Fund grant of £40,000 last year we need every penny we can raise to ensure our long-term future.”

Tickets for the auction can be bought direct from the organisers on 01305 751707; the price is £12.50, which includes two glasses of Prosecco and gourmet nibbles.

The event comes in the heels of news that the Dorchester Opportunity Group has just won its second consecutive 'Outstanding' rating from Ofsted. The report stated: “Staff put children’s welfare at the heart of everything they do and partnership with parents is exceptional.”