A SILENT auction at a Hagley garden centre has raised more than £500 to help cancer patients in the borough.

Barnett Hill Garden Centre, Worcester Road, has supported the Leukaemia Unit Appeal Fund for the last three years, raising £15,000 to date.

Guests at the recent auction, in aid of the charity, which raises funds for the Georgina ward at Russells Hall Hospital, were treated to a fish and chip supper before the bidding began.

Stefanie Bennett, the centre's local and community events manager, said the evening was a "huge success" and had generated £503.50 for the charity, with the store adding another £75 to the total.

She added: "It’s been a fantastic few years and pleasure working with such a wonderful, dedicated local charity that does such good work on behalf of the community."

Pauline Jenkins, charity trustee and fundraising co-ordinator, added: "Fundraising is on-going, working towards a growing target to keep up technology and needs of patients and their families in the Georgina Unit at Russell’s Hall Hospital. It’s good to know there are people who care about the well-being of others."