CONTRIBUTORS to a charity auction have been rewarded for their effort and generosity with a luxury treat at a Darlington hair salon.

The auction, held in November, was organised and hosted by Sarah Peacock, from Skeeby, and Mark Cole, from Richmond, to raise cash for Cancer Research UK and the Great North Air Ambulance.

Auctioneer for the night was Vanessa Price, a cancer survivor and fundraiser, who said the grand total from the evening was more than £4,500 – a record amount in the third years of the event.

She said: “One of the prizes was a luxury salon experience at Be Premier in Darlington, and this raised around £1,100.

“Considering there was only around 40 people at the auction we raised an amazing amount.”

The 10 auction prize winners were treated to a colour, cut and style, as well as glasses of prosecco throughout the day, on Thursday, February 5.

Ms Price added: “It was a great day and the staff were wonderful - it was a really generous prize from salon owner Richard Bland.”

Other prizes from the auction ranged from home-made Christmas cakes, a holiday at a Turkish villa, and meals at local restaurants.