A BAT signed by Durham County Cricket Club players is being offered to the highest bidder to help to raise funds towards an annual Christmas dinner for elderly villagers.

Jim Affleck, sub-postmaster in Newfield Village, near Pelton, on the outskirts of Chester-le-Street, has been given the bat by the club, but he plans to use it to boost the Christmas fund.

He helps to organise the dinner, which also features entertainment, as a 'thank-you' for around 70 senior members of the community who use the post office.

Anyone wishing to bid for the bat can contact Mr Affleck on (0191) 370 0347