FIERCE bidding from guests at a charity banquet helped raise hundreds of pounds for Worcestershire charities.

Four limited edition Royal Worcester Porcelain plates took the most money at the Mayor of Worcester's Civic Charity Banquet auction, held at the Guildhall.

But it was the Mayor of Worcester himself, Councillor Robert Rowden, who splashed out £160 on the items to raise funds for the Worcestershire Association for the Blind (WAB) and St Richard's Hospice.

Around 200 guests attended the banquet, an annual fund-raising event, which was run in association with The Rotary Club of Worcester.

They included solicitor David Hallmark, Worcester College of Technology principal Chris Morecroft and Sandie Bannister of WAB.

The auction was led by city auctioneer Andrew Grant and more than £800 was made from the lots.

"I think it's been a wonderful, roaring success," said Coun Rowden, who was joined on the evening by his daughter Anne Hasnat.

"I've had a good time and I think people have been enjoying themselves.

"If they've enjoyed themselves and done something useful for charity then that's marvellous."

There was also a raffle, grand draw and tombola held on the night, as well as party games in between courses.

Other auction lots included a case of champagne, which fetched £130 and dinner for two at Brown's Restaurant, which reached £105.