The campaign to save Bradford City has gone right to the top.

Prime Minister Tony Blair is the latest to show his backing for the Bantams by signing two match programmes from the Telegraph & Argus Save Our City Celebrity All Stars match earlier this year, to be auctioned off to raise cash for the club.

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe, who has been helping to rally support for the cash-strapped Bantams, organised for Mr Blair to autograph an advert for the Labour Party which is featured in the programme.

And Mr Blair is not the only one helping out.

There are now around 150 items which have been donated to the Save Our City appeal auction which takes place at the Valley Parade banqueting suite on Thursday.

City fan Dave Smith, a supporter of around 40 years, has donated a cricket bat which has been signed by the England one-day international team from last year.

And there is a treat for football fans from around the country with around 50 new replica shirts, many of which have been signed, donated to the appeal by Bradford City.

The collection includes shirts from clubs including Liverpool, Manchest-er City and West Bromwich Albion, to York City, Southend United and Huddersfield Town.

Meanwhile, nostalgic Bradford City fans will be able to get their hands on a collection of rare season tickets from the early 1950s which include a full list of the season's fixtures.

Other new lots include a framed signed City shirt belonging to last season's player of the year Paul Heckingbottom.

Bradford celebrities Gareth Gates and Kimberley Walsh are also among those who have donated items to go under the hammer.

Telegraph & Argus Editor Perry Austin-Clarke said: "We are really pleased that items are still flooding in for the auction.

"This could well be the greatest collection of Bradford City memorabilia ever to go up for sale in one place at any one time.

"We are sure that Bradford City fans in particular won't want to miss it."

The auction gets under way at Valley Parade on Thursday from 7.30pm.

Admission is by a £3 donation to the Save Our City appeal.