A watercolour painting and expensive car-audio equipment are to be auctioned off to raise money for the Telegraph & Argus Save Our Play Appeal.

The two items are up for grabs in a grand postal auction.

They have been given to Bradford Toy Library by T&A readers who want to do their bit for the appeal which aims to safeguard the future of the resource. The library lends toys to educate youngsters with special needs and disabilities.

The watercolour, called Aut-umn Colours, has been donated by artist Derek Donnison, 69, of Bradford, who has sold his paintings all over the world.

Mr Donnison, who is a volunteer with Friends of St Luke's, painted the picture especially so it could be used to raise money for the toy library.

The painting has a pale wood frame and would normally sell for £250. A reserve bid of £150 has been put on it.

"I often speak to the ladies who come to St Luke's with their children and I think it would be such a shame if the library was to go," said Mr Donnison.

A Kenwood CD player for a car, including free fitting, has been donated by Virginia and Garry White, of Near Crook, Cote Farm, Thackley. Mr White, who works for Car Audio Solutions of Leeds, said the top-of-the range equipment would normally cost £180. Postal bids over £100 will be considered.

The couple, whose nine-year-old son Jake has autism, often use the toy library.

"We have been following the appeal in the T&A and wanted to do something to help," said Mrs White. "We have close contact with the library - it would be such a shame if it was to go.

"Jake has been through most of the toys. He can't wait to see if they get new toys now.

"We have also used books to learn what we would have to deal with after Jake was diagnosed. The library has become part of our routine."

Jake is just one of more than 1,000 youngsters who rely on the registered charity which was threatened with closure in March due to a lack of funding. The Save Our Play Appeal originally aimed to raise £12,000 but thanks to the generosity of people and businesses more than £16,000 has been raised in little over a month. A new target of £30,000 has now been set which will guarantee the toy library at least two and a half years of financial security.

Bids for either item can be made by post to Bradford Toy Library, Child Development Centre, St Luke's Hospital, Little Horton Lane, Bradford, BD5 ONA, or by e-mail to: Toy.Library@bradfordhospi tals.nhs.uk

Please make sure you include your name and address, a contact number and your bid.