AN auction evening at a Wirral restaurant has raised £9,000 for soldiers' charity Help For Heroes.

The event, at Sheldrakes Restaurant in Lower Heswall, was held on February 26.

All proceeds will help the charity continue to provide specialist treatment and support for servicemen and women injured in current conflicts.

The evening was hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Billy Butler, who provided his services free of charge in ongoing support for the charity.

Among the guests were soldiers from The Royal Welsh Regiment and Sgt Major Mark Mathias, who gave a moving speech about their tours of Afghanistan.

Olivia Currie, 13, sang 'Ave Maria' for the troops.

The event was organised by Neil Chamberlain, who will be climbing Mt Kilimanjaro this Friday to raise more funds for the charity.

Helen Demetrios, owner of Sheldrakes, said: "I have to confess that I was not aware of the charity Help for Heroes and the wonderful work they do.

"When Neil contacted me to request a raffle prize, I wanted to do more to help.

"The evening provided a great excuse to have some fun and show our respect to our troops serving in Afghanistan."

Helen provided the use of Sheldrakes, and a luxury hot buffet, free of charge, and also donated some raffle prizes.

For more information on Neil Chamberlain's Mount Kilimanjaro challenge, or to make a donation, visit his Justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/grolsch1985, or telephone 07926 317 709.