The late, great Spike Milligan has given an Ilkley church's fund-raising campaign a literary boost.

The well-loved comedian responded to a fund-raising SOS from St Margaret's Church by sending it a signed copy, early edition of his novel Puckoon.

The book has now joined a growing treasure trove of items donated by the famous to the church's forthcoming Celebrity Auction.

Church member Hugh Little explained how, with the help of a Who's Who, he has been contacting the stars and persuading them to help the push for a new parish hall.

He said: "I have been trawling through the listings and just writing to or calling a lot of celebrities, trying to think of who stands out in every different field.

"When it came to humour Spike Milligan sprang immediately to mind because he is someone just about everyone acknowledged as a comic genius.

"Within a week of contacting him he had sent back a signed, paperback early edition of Puckoon, in pretty good condition, with a line saying 'of 0course I would like to help', which was terrific."

The Irish comic and former Goon, who died last week aged 83, sent the book last November.

Father (CRRCT) Richard Hoyal, vicar of St Margaret's, said: "Spike Milligan was a most remarkable comedian and entertainer, and it was kind of him to provide a gift for us when he was already far from well."

Other prized items being lined up for the November auction include an autographed photograph of South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, complete with a blessing.

Veteran British funny-man Ken Dodd, meanwhile, was the first person to send in a gift - in the form of a signed tickling stick and video.

Mr Little said: "This is the second tickling stick I've had from him! I wrote to him asking for the first one, which I proceeded to send to a local curate called the Reverend Tickle, when I was a reporter in Hull.

"Rev Tickle said he wanted to inject more humour into the church, so I sent him this stick from Ken Dodd and he proceeded to tickle his congregations!"

Since launching its appeal last April, St Margaret's has raised £60,000 in donations and grants, and hopes to see that total rise significantly after the November 8 sale.

The auction is due to take place at the Clarke Foley Centre in Cunliffe Road, Ilkley.

Meanwhile, the church's fund-raising programme continues this Saturday with a 7.30pm organ recital by St Margaret's director of music, Christian Spence.