A WELL-known Worces-ter celebrity is joining efforts to carry on a fund-raising challenge started by the late Howard Peters.

Howard, who died in October, was aiming to complete 70 sports be-fore his 70th birthday to raise at least £7,000 for St Richard's Hospice, but died days before he could finish the challenge.

After his death, friends and family rallied tog-ether to continue the efforts, and Alan New, general manager of Nunnery Wood Sports Complex and St John's Sports Centre, has organised a charity auction to be held at Perdiswell Leisure Cen-tre on Saturday, Feb-ruary 24.

He said they had recruited professional auctioneer Philip Ser-rell, well-known on BBC programmes including Bargain Hunt and Flog It, to join in the task.

Mr Serrell was born and brought up in Worcestershire where he is now established as a professional auctioneer, but is also well-known as an after-dinner speaker, as well as appearing on several BBC television antiques program-mes including the 20th Century Roadshow, presenting their classic car feature.

Mr New said: "We're all extremely pleased that Philip has agreed to give up his time for such a worthwhile cause.

"To have a professional auctioneer to manage the auction is a real bonus as it will help the evening to run smoothly and without delay.

"I also understand Philip is an excellent after-dinner speaker and I look forward to listening to some of his anecdotes on the night."

He said they had received 40 prizes donated for the auction, but had set themselves the target of 200 so needed much more help. Any-one interested in donating a prize to help reach Howard's goal can contact Mr New on 01905 357842 or anew@cityofworcester.gov.uk