A UNIQUE fundraising campaign which has captured the imagination of people from across Ryedale is holding an auction next week.

Mike's Mice was set up by Anne Soper, from Pickering, to marking the 10th year since the death of her son, Mike, by encouraging people to knit or sew mice to raise money for the Cardiomyopathy Association (CMA).

Cardiomyopathy is a common medical cause of sudden death in people under 35.

Anne is being supported by Tracy Bush, owner of Poppies Tearooms, in Burgate, Pickering, whose son, Leon, died from a similar condition in 2006.

The pair, who have so far raised over £1,000, are holding a charity auction at The Sun Inn in Westgate, Pickering on Thursday, August 28 with Angus Ashworth, from Ryedale Auctioneers.

Anne said she has been overwhelmed by the support they had received.

"Auction items include donations from Robert Thompson (Mouseman )workshop, Robert Fuller and other local artists," she added.

"We have vouchers for local shops including those for meals, food and beauty and here are auction lots of meat, fruit, antiques, toys and gifts which have been generously been donated by local businesses and individuals in and around Pickering."

Anne said that on the evening Angus would value antiques brought along for £2 an item from 6.30pm. There will also be the opportunity to buy raffle tickets, visit the stalls and view the auction items before the main event started at 8pm.

"We hope as many people as possible will come along to the Sun Inn and join in the fun to support this excellent cause," she added.

"The Cardiomyopathy Association (CMA) supports children and adults with this heart muscle disease and their families and supported us when our son Mike was growing up with the condition."

Anne added: ""Mike’s Mice continues to go well, knitted and sewn mice have arrived from all over Yorkshire and we are delighted with the amount raised for the CMA."

Among the appeal's supporters is Sue Hoggard from North Grimston who has knitted nearly 100 mice.

As well as a mini-football pitch complete with players and referee, Sue has completed numerous mice scenes ranging from 'holidays' to 'a wedding'.

“When I read about the appeal I thought it was such a good cause that I wanted to do get involved and help and it has gone on from there," she added.

"I've loved making the mice and putting together the different themes it has been really good fun."

Donations of items for the raffle, auction or stalls would be greatly appreciated and can be left at the Sun Inn,Westgate or Poppies Tearooms, Bugate both in Pickering or the Gazette and Herald offices on Yorkersgate in Malton.