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Auctioneer Philip Allwood with the Mayor of Swindon's cricket bat which is being auctioned

SWINDON Mayor Michael Barnes is selling a signed cricket bat and donating the proceeds to charity.

The bat, signed by leading county players of the 1950s, will be auctioned on behalf of the mayor on Friday, with all earnings heading to the mayoral charities.

The Stuart Surridge County Driver bat, signed by Surrey - the county champions from 1952 to 1958 - was given to the councillor when he was a child after a family friend won it in a raffle.

Signatures on the back of the blade include those of players from Gloucestershire, Yorkshire, Essex and Leicestershire.

Dickie Bird, best known for his umpiring between 1973 and 1996, who also scored more than 3,000 runs between 1956 and 1964, and the late Sir Freddie Trueman, one of the best fast bowlers of all time, are among the signatures.

"I was given the bat as an eight-year-old in 1958 by my godfather, who was a member of Sussex Cricket Club.

"He won it in a club raffle," said Coun Barnes, pictured.

"I've had 50 years of enjoyment from it, now I think it's time for someone else to enjoy it and raise some money for the mayoral charities."

Since being elected in May last year, the mayor, who played cricket for 35 years at Duntisbourne Abbots, has raised more than £22,000 for his two chosen charities, TWIGS - Therapeutic Work in Gardening in Swindon - and Swindon Cares.

TWIGS helps facilitate the recovery of people with mental health needs through such means as gardening and related crafts.

Swindon Cares, who will be sharing all of its donations between Swindon Samaritans, Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis and the Broadgreen Breakfast Club for homeless, is an organisation that aims to support people in the town, Coun Barnes is hoping to raise £24,000 for the charities by the time his term of office ends in May and hopes the bat will help him to reach his goal.

Moore Allen and Innocent auctioneer Philip Allwood said: "This is a well-signed bat in good condition. Given the anticipated local interest from supporters of Gloucestershire Cricket Club and the mayor's charities in Swindon we predict its sale will achieve between £150 and £200."

The auction was taking place on Friday at Moore Allen and Innocent in Cirencester between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

7:44pm Thursday 27th March 2008

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