A man whose family has been touched by cancer has organised a massive auction and tombola to boost research into the devastating disease in Bradford.

Philip Barnett, pictured with daughters Mandy and Anita, decided to support the appeal after Mandy was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. In 1957, the year Mandy was born, Mr Barnett's mother died from the disease.

Mandy has now finished her course of chemotherapy and returns to hospital every few weeks for blood tests.

After his own experiences and reading about the Telegraph & Argus Bradford Can...Cancer Research Appeal, Mr Barnett, of Heysham Drive, Holme Wood, Bradford, has got behind the scheme by setting up raffles and collections.

Now he's set up his biggest event yet - a fun-filled night in aid of the appeal on Friday at the Railway Social Club, Wakefield Road, Holme Wood, Bradford.

The star attraction will be a Dutch auction, which means that one person does not have to bid a lot of money for the lots.

Instead, the price increases 50p at a time with each bidder putting in 50p, so when the item is sold the buyer has only paid a fraction of the full price.

Up for grabs in the auction are two decorated eggs, made by Maureen Wilkes who herself has suffered from breast cancer.

The goose eggs, have been blown and tiny ornaments placed inside and Mr Barnett said he expected them to be a big attraction to collectors.

Also up for grabs is a crystal glass fruit bowl which they expect to fetch a good price as well as a pair of satin slippers.

A raffle and giant tombola will offer more than 100 prizes such as cases of beer, gift sets, toiletries and children's books, all of which have been donated.

Budding singers will be able to show off their vocal talents at karaoke for 50p a go - and Mr Barnett has vowed to do an impersonation of Ol' Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra.

Mr Barnett said he wanted it to be an evening of celebration and fun.

He is also expecting a visit from about 30 members of Bosom Friends, a Bradford support group for women who have had breast cancer. Entry to the event costs £1 and it runs from 7pm, with the bar open until 11.30pm.

The Bradford Can... appeal aims to raise £1 million for cancer research in Bradford.

When the target is reached it will unlock a further £5 million investment by Cancer Research UK. Money raised by the community or businesses is being doubled by Sovereign Health Care, of Manningham Lane, Bradford, which has pledged £200,000 to the appeal.

l A ten-minute collection organised by Mr Barnett at a Bradford Bulls match raised a massive £342 for the Bradford Can...appeal.

He had asked for helpers to assist at the game on April 20 and managed to get a team of ten to man five gates at Valley Parade.