TWO American ex-pats are planning a charity auction to raise money for cancer sufferers.

Idell Merheb and Paula Garner, volunteer workers with Macmillan Cancer Relief, are visiting businesses across the region hoping they will donate items for the auction being held on behalf of the charity, at Crathorne Hall Hotel, near Yarm, Teesside, on Thursday, August 9.

Ms Merheb from Orange, Texas, has been in England for eight years. Ms Garner, who has been here for a year, is from Newark, Delaware.

Both now live at Wynyard Park, Billingham.

They became involved with Macmillan Cancer Relief last year when they answered an newspaper advert.

Ms Merheb subsequently used her home for an event as part of the world's largest coffee morning and an auction that raised £500.

She said: "This year we wanted to do something on a much larger scale and immediately contacted Crathorne Hall for the use of their facilities. They said yes, and now we are looking for business support.

They hope to have the tickets which will cost £12, and include a barbecue, on sale at the end of June. The auctioneer will be Richard Storry of Lithgow Sons and Partners.

Businesses who would like to donate items should contact Macmillan Cancer Relief, Middlesbrough and Teesside Appeal, 72 -80 Corporation Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2RS or contact (01642) 354655.