A SPECIAL autograph donated by Coronation Street favourite Liz Dawn is being auctioned by a green belt action group to help fund fireworks for this year's New Year Beacon at Aireborough Leisure Centre.

Liz, the Lady Mayoress of Leeds, who earlier this month presented the millennium flame to members of the Guiseley Beacon Committee, signed the autograph in a historic week for the much loved northern soap.

The programme celebrated its 40th year on air and loveable Vera Duckworth donated a kidney to her long lost grandson.

Clare Hird, member of Guiseley and Menston Green Belt Action Group (GAMGBAG) which is helping to organise the New Year's Eve festivities, said she hoped people would be supportive.

She said: "We believe this signature is a bit more special than usual.

"It is in millennium year, and Corrie is having its Ruby Jubilee. Add this to the big story of Vera and the transplant and we think some soap fans will be happy to bid high for it. "It was signed in the week that Vera nearly died but when quizzed by the group if she would pull through she winked and whispered 'Don't worry luv' and the rest is history."

Guiseley residents are getting two chances to celebrate the new millennium.

After last year's successful celebrations, GAMGBAG and the three Guiseley churches have organised an end of millennium year spectacular at Aireborough Leisure Centre.

It will start with a torch-lit procession from the cross at about 11.30pm on New Year's Eve with a large firework display at midnight.

A brass band next to the giant beacon in the car park will play music with celebrations expected to finish by 1am. Tickets for the event have been posted through people's doors in Guiseley.

l You can bid for Liz Dawn's autograph via e-mail to houltguiseley@aol.com or by written offer, giving your name and address with phone number to the Wharfedale Observer offices at 9 Orchard Gate, Otley, LS21 3NX in a sealed envelope marked 'autograph'. Alternatively you can call GAMGBAG on (01943) 876310 tonight, or tomorrow, or Saturday Dec 30 when offers close at 7pm.

The winner will be announced at Guiseley Beacon and in next week's Wharfedale Observer.