
BARGAIN Hunt auctioneer Philip Serrell was on hand to help raise more than £22,000 for the Ukrainian Red Cross at Haselbury Mill near Crewkerne on Thursday.
The antiques expert encouraged people to bid generously at an auction for experiences and items including a private tour of the Glastonbury Festival site with Michael Eavis, a complete wedding package, and a two-night stay at the Castle Leslie Estate in Ireland.
The festival founder was in attendance and helped ensure bidding for a tour of Worthy Farm - to be held ahead of this year's event - reached £2,000.
Newsquest is fundraising to support victims of the war in Ukraine.
There was also a raffle and live music courtesy of Mutter Slater, Roger Bastable, Chris Davies, and The IOUs.
After the auction, a spokesperson for Haselbury Mill said: "Thank you to everyone who joined us for our charity fundraiser for the Ukrainian Red Cross last night
"We are delighted to announce that the auction, raffle, door and gift aid collectively raised in excess of £22,000.
"We could not have done it without the support of some wonderful people.
"None of this could happened without a fabulous audience.
"We have been overwhelmed with generosity and we are so glad we have reached a figure that will make a real difference to those suffering in Ukraine."
The organisers also thanked Mr Serrell for keeping the audience entertained with his "jovial and endearing manner", Mr Eavis for attending the event, a host of other people for making the event a success and providing donations to the auction and raffle.
Gallery: Haselbury Mill Ukraine Fundraiser
Auctioneer, antiques expert, and television presenter Philip Serrell from Bargain Hunt hosted the auction. Pictures: Steve Richardson
Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis CBE is set to give a lucky attendee a private tour of Worthy Farm.
Barbara and Martin Blackmore with Angus McPhee at the Haselbury Mill fundraiser.
Isabella, Theo, Joshua, and Michelle Thompson enjoy their evening at Haselbury Mill.
Jane Askey with her raffle tickets next to a collection bucket for the Ukrainian Red Cross.
Tim Prior and Sue Watson in front of a Ukrainian flag at the fundraiser.
Joe and Denise Kirtley at the hospitality village near Crewkerne.
Hugo Hall and Beth Reynoldson take a look at the raffle prizes.
Dean and Kimberley Martin at Haselbury Mill.
Philip Serrell kept the audience entertained throughout the evening.
Over £22,000 was raised for the Ukrainian Red Cross.
Guests enjoyed live music from Mutter Slater, Roger Bastable, Chris Davies and The IOUs.
The organisers said the event would not have been possible without the support of "wonderful people" and a "fabulous audience".
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