By Meg Jorsh

Last updated 13:16, Monday, 01 December 2008

Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton will be the guest of honour at a Carlisle charity auction on Friday.

Helen Skelton switches on Penrith Christmas lights

Helen, who is from Kirkby Thore, landed the top job as one of the show’s presenters in September after a stint on kids’ favourite Newsround.

She used to work on BBC Radio Cumbria’s breakfast show.

The 25-year-old will kick off proceedings at Borderway Mart, Rosehill, by selling the first item from the auctioneer’s rostrum. The event has been organised by the National Farmer’s Union to raise money for local charities.

Hundreds of items have been donated for sale from farmyards across Cumbria, including livestock, crops and machinery. There will also be Manchester United tickets, holidays and nights out up for grabs.

Organisers have high hopes for this year’s auction after a similar event five years ago raised more than £30,000. Supported charities will include Hospice At Home, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, Life Education and the Pride of Cumbria Air Ambulance.

The Farmers’ Charity Auction will be held on December 5 from 10.30 am.

For more information, contact the NFU office on 01228 523 034.