HUNDREDS of designer handbags will be going under the hammer for charity at a hotel on the outskirts of Darlington on Friday (February 27).

Fundraiser Carrie Wilson is co-ordinating the event at the Hall Garth Hotel, Coatham Mundeville, and has received 700 bags to date, with brands such as Radley, Gucci and Michael Kors all going under the hammer with a starting bid of £1.

The event is part of a year-long fundraising campaign undertaken by Ms Wilson on behalf of Macmillan, including the Great North Swim and a ten-day trek in Vietnam in November - the fourth trek she has done for charity in as many years.

This is the fifth annual handbag auction and Ms Wilson is looking forward to another good turnout.

She said: “This annual handbag event is a hugely successful one, a great fun night with lots of bargains to be had.”

In addition to the auction, local small traders will be selling their goods on the night, a raffle will take place and the bar will be open.

Admission is £1, the event opens for browsing and shopping from 6.30pm and the auction starts at 7.30pm.

Any handbags remaining at the end of the night will be donated to Macmillan.

If you have any handbags that you would like to donate, collections can be arranged by contacting 01325-300400 or email sales@hallgarthdarlington.co.uk