GIFTS of yachting, hot air ballooning and holidays at home and abroad are among items being auctioned at Launceston Rotary Club's 'Swing and Supper' big band event.

The club aims to raise funds for local causes on Saturday, April 25 when the 15 piece Dorset-based big band 'In the Pink,' will get the feet tapping and the hands clapping at the Eagle House Hotel, Launceston.

Two recent gifts donated to the event are worth hundreds of pounds and will appeal to the nautically minded.

The first is a day's cruising on a luxury 41ft yacht based at Falmouth Marina and owned by Gavin and Georgie McLaren of Flushing.

They are both experienced sailors and writers, who have sailed the yacht across the Atlantic to the Caribbean and back twice. Gavin is a former submariner and navigator and a sail-training instructor for the armed forces.

"We are delighted to support this imaginative fundraising evening," said Gavin, "and we will ensure this proves to be a 'money can't buy' day out."

Cornish Cruising, a sailing school and yacht charter business, also based in Falmouth, has donated a 'Start Yachting Weekend' for two people.

Other items to be auctioned include a trip in a hot air balloon; a holiday in a cottage in the Derby dales; a four night break at a first class mobile home on the Butlins site at Minehead and a week's stay at a privately owned seafront apartment on Lanzarote.

Bids can be made before the event and this will be convenient for anyone not able to attend the auction on the night.

Organising Rotarian Brian Morgan said: "We are hoping for more gifts to auction and the proceeds of each item can be donated to the cause or charity of the donor's choice."

It is not too late to apply to benefit from the entertaining evening by calling Brian Morgan on 01566 781278.

Tickets for the event are available from the Eagle House Hotel; Homeleigh Garden Centre or by phoning Brian Morgan or Rotarian Neville Helme on 775745.