IT Promised to be a great night — and so it turned out. An Auction of Promises in Helland raised more than £3,000 for electrical work in the church.

Jackie and Jules Pearce had been working behind the scenes for months securing auction lots as diverse as a donkey cart ride to an aeroplane flight — the final catalogue listed an astounding 44 items.

Jackie welcomed everyone in the packed hall for what was no ordinary auction as most lots were accompanied by a witty video clip recorded ‘on location’ by Jules, aimed at attracting as many bids as possible.

Clive Argent’s skilful eloquence from the rostrum ensured his gavel did not descend until he had coerced customers to offer ‘just one more ten pound note’. He was ably assisted by Judith’s faultless clerking skills.

During the interval the audience feasted on refreshments provided by helpers organised by Maria Coppin while Liz and Tim Edwards manned the bar.

Churchwarden Jenny Trethewey said: “High spots of the second half were Jules modelling a Dundee cake — he would cut a fine dash on the catwalk. We were also entertained by Barrie’s spirited interview in French, where he seemed to know one word more than any other, ‘Jamais, jamais, jamais’.

“When the gavel finally fell £3,000 had been raised, an amazing sum for a small village.

Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the event and in particular those who dug deep into their pockets. Thank you seems an inadequate response but it nearly left me speechless. ‘Going going gone’ it may well be, but forgotten never.”