REGULARS at a pub in Stoke on Trent have helped boost the Fred Dibnah Appeal.

Customers at the Bird in the Hand in Trentvale, held an auction night and raised £500 for the appeal for a memorial to the famous steeplejack in Bolton town centre.

The event was organised by self-employed carpenter Carl Hamer, aged 36, who is a Fred fan. He became friends with Fred's widow Sheila after buying a tour of Fred's workshops and a meal with her which she auctioned for the appeal.

"We had lots of Fred memorabilia, including four pictures donated by the Bolton Evening News, and some DVDs," said Mr Hamer.

Local steam enthusiast Will Dakin also took his engine "Little Audrey" along.

A £50 donation was also sent to the Bolton and District Civic Trust, which is running the appeal in conjunction with the Bolton Evening News, from Mr and Mrs Stephenson from Norfolk, who were inspired by the Fred television programme.

Donations can be made via Lloyds TSB, Hotel Street, Bolton, or at any branch of Lloyds TSB.