A FLIGHT in a light aircraft and a tour of Pendle Hill in a 1940s open top tourer car were among the more unusual items which went under the hammer at a millennium fund-raising night.

The event brought in more than £1,700 for an adventure playground appeal recently launched by St Peter's School in Darwen.

It was held at Marigolds, Darwen, and also featured a disco and performance by the school's comic caretaker Donald Banks.

Other goods and services auctioned included a years supply of toothpaste and toothbrushes, cookery lessons by a qualified chef and meals in various East Lancashire restaurants.

Teacher Clare Hunter said: "It was a fantastic night and we can't thank people enough for their donations."

The school hopes to built the new facility sometime during the year 2000 and is looking for local businesses to get involved in the ambitious project.

For further information ring Clare on 01254 701299.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.