CELEBRITY-signed bowler hats are just some of the items topping the bill at a major Children In Need auction at Kidderminster Harriers tomorrow.

A host of lots donated by leading manufacturers and leisure outlets plus many featuring items signed by famous names will go under the hammer at the celebrity auction at the Aggborough Suite.

Organiser Mark Driver has been "bowled over" by the response to his plea for donations and hopes to raise thousands of pounds.

"There's something for everyone. I've put many of the smaller items - like signed photographs - into a raffle for the night and people can bid for a range of items with a variety of values in the auction," he said.

The bowler hats from Lock Hatters of London have been signed and customised by Joan Rivers, Billy Connolly, Peter O'Toole, Vanessa and Corin Redgrave, Steve Wright, Johnnie Walker and Sir Thomas Allen.

Other lots range from a meal for four at Planet Hollywood to a signed Emmerdale script.

To guarantee entry free tickets must be reserved in advance by calling Mr Driver on 01562 861711 or e-mailing him on CINenquiry@Ukcharity.com Doors open at 7pm and the auction will start at 7.30pm.

l Nine workers from Kidderminster audio console manufacturers Klark Teknik have been sponsored to cultivate freshly grown beards and hope to raise about £300 for the annual BBC fund-raiser.

Female colleagues are preparing to judge the best set of whiskers at the end of the month and the chaps have been joined by regular beard wearer Phill Skidmore who has been growing hair on his usually shaved head.

Dale Minaker who started the fund-raising bid said: "We've got some real soup strainers here. One or two might keep their beard but I think most of us can't wait to shave them off."

l Staff at Kidderminster firm Ceramaspeed have been combining 30th birthday celebrations theme days with Children in Need fund-raising events.

They hope to better their usual total of about £500, which is matched by the firm.

l Workers at Foley Self Drive in Stourport Road will enjoy a pirate-themed day tomorrow as part of the charity fun.

l At home and leisure store The Range in Crossley Park, Kidderminster, there will be events throughout the day, including a sponsored head-shave by three members of staff at 2pm, and fancy dress.

l BBC Hereford & Worcester will be broadcasting from Kidderminster's Swan Centre as part of the Children in Need celebrations tomorrow.

The lunchtime show from 10am-1pm will be followed by three hours of entertainment including dancers and children's groups in the shopping centre

l Members of Kidderminster and District Lions Club will be collecting for the appeal tomorrow.

They will be in the Swan and Rowland Hill shopping centres in Kidderminster and hope to beat last year's total of £300.