The combination of generous bidders, more than 100 superb lots and the persuasive powers of the night’s guest auctioneer, former East Preston estate agent Chris Shore, proved to be a big success at the Woodland Centre. Chris, who was an Olympic torchbearer during the epic relay leading up to London 2012, rekindled the same enthusiastic spirit which followed the flame wherever it went, to make the most of the items going under the hammer. He took the golden torch, which he carried for his leg of the relay, to the auction, although this was one precious item that wouldn’t be open to bidding. Chris, of Seaview Avenue, said: “It was a great atmosphere and really quite exciting. The bidding was fast and furious. “It was fairly hard work. We had about 120 lots to get through in little more than two hours. “But it was great fun. We had some fantastic offers, from a ride in a super car, to a long weekend in the New Forest.” His efforts were praised by Rustington Parish Council, whose spokeswoman thanked Chris for his efforts. The event, in aid of St Barnabas House hospice, in Worthing, and this year’s Rustington in Bloom campaign, was attended by dozens of people, including the village’s MP Sir Peter Bottomley, Arun District Council chairman councillor Ann Smee and the High Sheriff of West Sussex, Andrew Clarke. It was organised by Rustington parish councillor Christine Broomfield and her husband, Mike, chairman of Littlehampton Companions’ Club, together with Rose and Roy Probert. They thanked all those who donated items to the auction.