Actor Brian Capron took charge of events at a school's charity auction which included a special lot sold to raise money for The Argus's Neil Cooper Appeal.

The former Coronation Street baddie, who played Richard Hillman in the soap, turned auctioneer on Friday night for the event at Blatchington Mill School, Hove.

Limousine rides, hotel stays and light-aircraft flights were among the 75 lots sold off during an evening which included singing performances by the pupils.

The special lot, lot six, was a box crammed full of football memorabilia from clubs across Britain.

It included a football shirt signed by the Brighton and Hove Albion team.

It sold for £42, which has been donated to the Neil Cooper Appeal.

The fund has raised almost £40,000 to pay for vital treatment to prolong the life of Neil, who has lung cancer.

The auction, staged by FAB, the school's friends' association, raised more than £3,000, which will be put towards a new minibus.