A CHARITY auction at a Wolverley pub raised £4,000 for research into leukaemia.

The event at the Lock Inn was organised by Jo Mee after being inspired by her father Chris, 53, who was diagnosed with the blood cancer in May.

Bargain hunters bidded on a number of items, including gym memberships, rounds of golf and alcohol, to help collect the cash.

The pub-goers were kept entertained by local band The Murmur and other fund-raising activities included a bouncy castle, face painting, haircutting and a barbecue, at the last month’s event.

It was also a case of no pain, no gain for pub manager Andy Bishop, who had his legs waxed to boost the coffers.

Miss Mee said: “People have been really generous not only in donating items for sale but also in how much they were prepared to spend.

“There was definitely a feel good factor. Many thanks to all who helped make the day a success.”

Mr Mee’s friend, Gio Perri, owner of Elizabeth & Giovanni’s Hair Salon and Beauty Centre in Kidderminster, which sponsored the event, added: “I’ve known Andy for some time and Jo is a regular at the salon, so, when I heard they were planning a fund-raising event I was keen to help out.”

The cash raised on the day will be donated to the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research charity.

Meanwhile, The Rose Theatre, in Kidderminster has also donated all the proceeds from the sale of its programmes and 2013 calendars following the Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society matinee performance of Calendar Girls to the charity which funds research into all blood cancers.