A PROMISE of vacuuming while wearing only boxer shorts and a male escort service were some of the cheeky lots auctioned at a Ryedale pub to raise more than £5,500 for survivors of the Asian tsunami.

Organiser Richard Murray-Wells said the event at his pub, The Feathers, in Market Place, Helmsley, was sold out weeks in advance and 120 people attended.

Mr Murray-Wells said: "It was an auction of promises. People auctioned what they could, and a lot of people auctioned themselves - there was an offer of car washing, vacuuming in boxer shorts, and a number of raffle prizes given generously by local businesses."

The most sought-after lot was given by Red Lion Racing and was a session racing a Porsche, which went for £710. Other items included a hospitality suite at Thirsk Racecourse and a family portrait.

Mr Murray-Wells said: "I think there's massive support from local people for the tsunami appeal because one of the town's residents, Jan Needham, lost her son, Robin, in it. It's a cause clbre for Helmsley, and that showed at the event."

Updated: 11:01 Thursday, March 10, 2005