IF YOU'VE ever fancied owning a soap star's clothes - as seen and worn on TV - now is your chance.

People in York can bid for a pair of sparkling jeans and a top worn by barmaid Shelley Unwin in Coronation Street, and also a purple leather-look jacket worn by Sarah Platt.

The costumes are going under the hammer at an auction later this month at York Racecourse, aimed at raising thousands of pounds for the children's charity Candlelighters.

Stephen and Pauline Redman, of Woodthorpe, are holding the sale during a casino evening on June 27, the second anniversary of their seven-year-old son Rocky's death from cancer.

Pauline said another item available for auction was a pen with the engraved signature of Tony Blair.

This had been sent by Number 10 after her daughter, Melodie, had written to the Prime Minister, explaining what had happened to her brother and asking for something for the auction.

Tickets for the event, costing £30, including £20 worth of casino chips and a buffet, must be obtained by tomorrow by phoning York Rock Church, which is sponsoring the evening, on 01904 659475.

Updated: 10:54 Thursday, June 19, 2003