THE chance to drive a world rally car around a professional circuit proved to be the most popular lot at an auction held to raise money for vital scientific research.

The British Lung Foundation's Red Balloon Appeal held a charity dinner at Worcester Rugby Club last week, at which the world rally car session raised £600.

The evening raised more than £7,000 for the appeal, which is aiming to build a centre for research into lung conditions.

Welsh rugby star Ieuan Evans and television and Midlands radio personality Don Maclean entertained the British Lung Foundation supporters at the Sixways event.

The dinner included an auction, which saw fierce bidding for some sports memorabilia including Ieuan's 1997 Lions tour jacket, which raised £240.