The restoration of a former waterway could receive a major boost next month, thanks to a charity auction.

The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust has already collected more than 30 items for the event which has been organised by the Melksham, Chippenham and Calne branch.

Donations include sports and theatre tickets, passes for regional attractions, rounds of golf, boatrides, meals, and a tour of a brewery, although more donations would still be welcomed.

The event is due to be held at The Lansdowne Hall in Derry Hill, on Saturday October 13 from 7pm.

All profits will support the ongoing restoration of local stretches of the canal.

Event organiser Val Melville has been delighted by the generosity of businesses across the area.

She said: “This is the first auction to be organised by the local branch but the community support has been fantastic.

“We have some amazing donations, including the rare opportunity to enjoy a footplate experience on a steam locomotive. Several canal-related gifts are also on offer, including a guided walk along the restored stretch of the Wilts and Berks at Pewsham, a half-day trip for 12 on a narrowboat along the restored stretch in Swindon, including champagne, and a steam-launch trip for four along the Kennet and Avon.

"Other donations include a tour of a micro-brewery for six people, tickets to Wookey Hole and the East Somerset Railway, as well as a Christmas hamper, car servicing, home-cleaning, hairdressing, manicures and hand-made leather goods. Several local pubs have also offered vouchers for meals and wine. We hope people will find plenty of tempting treats for themselves, their friends and family.”

The event will be led by The Chippenham Auction Rooms.

Tickets are £5 per person and include a welcome drink, nibbles and cheese buffet, although a bar will also be available.

Bids can be taken in advance for those unable to attend.

Call 01373 859207 or email auction@wbct.org.uk The full list of auction items will soon be available to view at www.melkshamwaterway.org.uk

The aim of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is to restore the former waterway from the Kennet and Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames and Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon.

Significant stretches have already been restored near Lacock, Dauntsey, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon, as well as in Calne.

Plans were recently submitted for the first major piece of engineering work which would bring the canal through Melksham town centre using the River Avon.