THE hammer is coming down one last time at a popular charity auction in Weymouth.

Biannual auctions, run by volunteers to support the Catholic parish’s One World Group, have been running since 1996 – raising in excess of £60,000 for good causes over the years.

The Stella Maris One World Group supports projects at home and abroad including cancer charities, a children’s orphanage, youth groups and organisations helping the homeless and battling poverty.

The auctions are the main source of fundraising, with parishioners donating an array of bargains from sewing machines to sofas, wardrobes to wicker baskets.

Collecting and storing the hundreds of items has become a “massive operation” for the two main volunteers, John Liles and Ralph Johnson.

Now, with Mr Liles and Mr Johnson feeling the strain and uncertainty over the future of the auction venue – the former St Augustine’s Church at Lodmoor, the time has come to “regretfully” call it a day and thank everyone for their support.

But not before one last event is held at the old church this Saturday.

Mr Liles said: “We’re unsure about what’s happening with the old church building. Also, Ralph and I aren’t getting any younger and we’ve both got bad backs, and there is a lack of other volunteers.

“If the church keeps hold of the building we may continue but run it as a tabletop sale rather than an auction.

“But this Saturday will be the last auction in its current format.”

The auction started out in the church hall to support the One World Group run by Mr Johnson and former volunteer Dave Hammersley.

The event then moved into the larger space of the church building when it became vacant in a parish reorganisation three years ago, which saw St Joseph’s in Stavordale Road take over as the main point of worship for Catholics in Weymouth.

Mr Liles, who got involved in the auction about 13 years ago, said the event is always well-supported, both with donations, which sometimes come through house clearances, and the crowds who attend the auction days, which go on all day.

This Saturday’s auction is at the former St Augustine’s Church, Dorchester Road, Lodmoor Hill, Weymouth, with viewing from 10.30am to 12pm and the sale from noon onwards.

More than 250 items will be going under the hammer.

Entry is free and light refreshments/lunch is available.