ST KENTIGERN Church will host a fundraising event with an unusual twist, holding people to their word.

An auction of promises will be hosted on August 30 to raise money to build toilets and a small kitchen area in the church in Irthington.

An auction of promises isn’t the typical kind of auction - it still involves bidding, just on a promise that someone has offered.

The organisers have been blown away by the 40 promises that have already been made by members of the community.

Among them is:

n A champagne tea for four at Sharrow Bay;

n The use of a villa in Portugal for one week;

n A meal for six at Skitby House;

n Afternoon tea for four delivered to the bidders house.

They were inspired by an auction held by St Cuthbert’s Church in Great Salkeld which raised more than £6500 in April. The auction will be held at Newtown Village Hall.

Entrance costs £1 and includes a free drink on arrival.

If you would like to auction a promise, contact Diane on 016977 2300.