AN auction in Tetbury to support Cotswold Dogs and Cats Home (CDCH) has raised more than £8,000.

Lots going under the hammer included a holiday for six at Habitat Escapes, a weekend Audi Driving Experience and a vintage Hornby Train Set which sold for £650.

Loose Women pundit and star of The Bill, Lisa Maxwell, who is Vice Patron of CDCH, made a guest appearance as auctioneer and even found time to meet Dennis, one of the charity’s dogs in need of re-homing.

The event was the idea of Nick Bowkett, of Stroud Auctions, he said: “We are so grateful for everyone who got behind the auction and donated the goods and promises to enable us to raise such a magnificent amount.”

CDCH needs to raise £800,000 to build a permanent centre which will allow them to re-home hundreds more animals.

Carolyn Blackburn, Chair of CDCH, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the day that we had and we can’t thank Stroud Auctions and everyone who played a part in raising such a fantastic amount of money enough.

“We can help thousands of other animals like Dennis find their happy ever after if we can reach our final target.

“So please help us to move even closer by getting in touch and making a donation or even having your own 'Paws for Coffee', car boot sale or skydive.”