Mr Bean, comedian Rowan Atkinson's rubber-faced movie character, is helping to fund a theatre in Sussex.

Amateur drama group the Hurstpierpoint Players hold an auction every two years to raise funds.

Over the past few weeks the actors have amassed a collection of weird and wonderful gifts.

However, Robin Driscoll's donation has turned out to be the star of the show.

The writer and actor, who lives in Hurstpierpoint and supports the theatre, wrote the screenplay for the film Bean, along with pal Richard Curtis of Four Weddings And A Funeral.

He has donated a signed copy of the Bean's screenplay, which includes several scenes that were not in the movie, to the auction.

In the film Mr Bean, a guard at London's National Art Gallery, is sent to a gallery in America where he is mistaken for an art expert delivering a $50 million painting.

In typical Mr Bean style, everywhere he goes he causes havoc, though the Hurstpierpoint Players are hoping tomorrow's auction will run more smoothly.

Belinda Sharp, who has been a member of the troupe since 1994, said: "We were absolutely delighted to be given the screenplay. I'm sure there are some Mr Bean fans out there who would love the signed copy.

"Robin Driscoll is very supportive of the theatre."

Other donations include an old Rover, silver fish knives and forks, a child's bike and jewellery.

Since forming in 1935, the Hurstpierpoint Players have performed hundreds of plays and pantomimes. The group bought the theatre, on Hurst High Street, in 1975.

The auction will be held at the theatre tomorrow from 2pm.

Viewings will be held today from 6pm to 9pm and tomorrow from 8am to noon.

For more details, call 01273 833164.