WANNABE rock stars hoping to unlock their potential as the next Eric Clapton could find the key in Hurworth next Friday.

For among the many lots up for grabs at Hurworth Comprehensive School's auction of promises is an electric guitar lesson with the lead guitarist of R&B band, Citizen Kane.

Auctioneer on the night will be BBC Look North presenter John Lawrence, who will do his best to raise as much money as possible for the school, which has only a handful of weeks left to raise the final £17,500 needed to go for specialist school status in maths and computing.

Included among a list of about 70 other prizes is a week's holiday in Italy, a 30-minute trial flight from Teesside Airport, two tickets to the British Touring Car Championships at Croft Circuit, weekend breaks in York and Edinburgh, a Chinese banquet and a football or shirt autographed by Middlesbrough FC players.

The D&S Times is also offering a day's experience as a reporter in the Darlington newsroom while its sister paper, The Northern Echo, has donated a day with UK photographer of the year, Mike Urwin.

Design and technology teacher Rita Rees, who is also the secretary of the school's parent teacher association, hopes the event will raise lots of money and above all be a fun night out.

She said: "From previous experience we know this auction will be very enjoyable though of course the primary aims is to raise funds towards specialist school status.

"Anyone who really can't join us on the night can send in a postal bid but remember that the highest bid on the night buys the promise."

A big push by the school has raised £32,500 towards the £50,000 needed to make a bid for specialist status.

If reached, a successful bid would unlock an extra £450,000 for the school over four years.

Doors open at 7.15, with the auction beginning at 8pm. Admission charge is £2 for adults and £1 for students and children, to include a glass of wine or orange juice and a finger buffet. To donate a prize or to pledge money to the school, call 01325 720424.