Celebrity car-boot sale aids NSPCC

8:14pm Thursday 7th August 2008

David Cameron's cycling helmet, Anne Robinson's glasses and Lewis Hamilton's baseball cap are among the items being auctioned at a 'celebrity car-boot sale' next month.

Esther Rantzen's jewellery and Antony Worrall Thompson's chef's whites are other rarities going under the hammer at a Cotswolds mansion, in aid of disadvantaged children.

The lots also include jockey silks from British Jump Racing champion Tony McCoy and Irish National Hunt trainer Jonjo O'Neill, as well as a cookbook from Michelin Star chef Michael Caines.

Celebrity donations will be sold in a silent auction at the biennial Country House Car Boot Sale at Stowell Park, the Gloucestershire home of Lord and Lady Vestey, on September 21.

It is hoped the famous knick-knacks will raise at least £30,000 for the NSPCC, at the event in Northleach.

Auctioneer Philip Allwood, of Moore Allen and Innocent, said: "The lots will be sold by means of silent auction. There will be no rostrum; instead, people will place their bids before and during the event and at the end of the day the highest bidder will win the item."

The Country House Car Boot Sale, run by the Cotswolds branch of the NSPCC, has quickly established its place in the Gloucestershire social calendar.

The owners of 200 country houses in the Cotswolds have been invited to clear out their attics and sell their antiques, 'car boot' style.

Moore Allen's experts say they will be providing a roaming antique valuation service, advising the 'posh car booters' on what price to put on their more valuable items.

Members of the public will be able to view the celebrity donations at salerooms in Norcote, near Cirencester, on August 14, August 28 and September 11.

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