THE hammer will come down on some great lots to help raise money to build a new pre-school in Welland.

A hot air balloon ride, a tapestry, beauty treatments, meals at local inns and hotels, babysitting and dog walking are among the items up for auction on Friday, May 25, at The Pheasant, Welland.

There will be more than 100 lots to suit all budgets and tastes, with smaller items such as bottles of wine and flowers also up for grabs to the highest bidder.

Pre-school committee chairman Sarah Husband said: "Everything has been donated by local residents and business in the area and Welland pre-school committee would like to thank everyone who has given so generously.

"It should be a great evening and anyone who wants to pick up a bargain or treat themselves whilst helping us raise money for a new, much-needed pre-school building should come along and have some fun."

This is the second auction organised by the pre-school, which has planning permission to create a purpose-built room at Welland Village Hall. Following refusal of a second lottery application, the pre-school committee needs to raise all the money itself through fundraising and smaller grant-making bodies. The last auction raised more than £1,000.

It wants premises of its own so that it can expand the services it offers to include lunchtimes and after-school care. The pre-school has been established for more than 30 years and provides care to more than 30 local children.

Doors open at 7.30pm for viewing and registration, the auction is at 8pm. For details or a catalogue call Sarah Husband on 01684 311518.