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. 

Somerset County Gazette: Newsquest is fundraising to support victims of the war in Ukraine.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

Somerset County Gazette: Auctioneer, antiques expert, and television presenter Philip Serrell from Bargain Hunt hosted the auction. Pictures: Steve RichardsonAuctioneer, antiques expert, and television presenter Philip Serrell from Bargain Hunt hosted the auction. Pictures: Steve Richardson

Somerset County Gazette: Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis CBE is set to give a lucky attendee a private tour of Worthy Farm.Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis CBE is set to give a lucky attendee a private tour of Worthy Farm.

Somerset County Gazette: Barbara and Martin Blackmore with Angus McPhee at the Haselbury Mill fundraiser.Barbara and Martin Blackmore with Angus McPhee at the Haselbury Mill fundraiser.

Somerset County Gazette: Isabella, Theo, Joshua, and Michelle Thompson enjoy their evening at Haselbury Mill.Isabella, Theo, Joshua, and Michelle Thompson enjoy their evening at Haselbury Mill.

Somerset County Gazette: Jane Askey with her raffle tickets next to a collection bucket for the Ukrainian Red Cross.Jane Askey with her raffle tickets next to a collection bucket for the Ukrainian Red Cross.

Somerset County Gazette: Tim Prior and Sue Watson in front of a Ukrainian flag at the fundraiser.Tim Prior and Sue Watson in front of a Ukrainian flag at the fundraiser.

Somerset County Gazette: Joe and Denise Kirtley at the hospitality village near Crewkerne.Joe and Denise Kirtley at the hospitality village near Crewkerne.

Somerset County Gazette: Hugo Hall and Beth Reynoldson take a look at the raffle prizes.Hugo Hall and Beth Reynoldson take a look at the raffle prizes.

Somerset County Gazette: Dean and Kimberley Martin at Haselbury Mill.Dean and Kimberley Martin at Haselbury Mill.

Somerset County Gazette: Philip Serrell kept the audience entertained throughout the evening.Philip Serrell kept the audience entertained throughout the evening.

Somerset County Gazette: Over £22,000 was raised for the Ukrainian Red Cross.Over £22,000 was raised for the Ukrainian Red Cross.

Somerset County Gazette: Guests enjoyed live music from Mutter Slater, Roger Bastable, Chris Davies and The IOUs.Guests enjoyed live music from Mutter Slater, Roger Bastable, Chris Davies and The IOUs.

Somerset County Gazette: The organisers said the event would not have been possible without the support of "wonderful people" and a "fabulous audience".The organisers said the event would not have been possible without the support of "wonderful people" and a "fabulous audience".