FOOTBALL star Michael Owen has taken time out from captaining England to help a Norton church devastated by fire.

Owen is donating a No 10 Liverpool shirt as part of an auction of promises and gifts to raise cash for Trinity Methodist Church, which was gutted in February last year.

The Rev Stewart Young said a member of the congregation had secured the shirt through a family connection - and Owen had promised to sign it to order to ensure the right size is delivered.

"It's wonderful to see how many creative and talented people we have within the church family and they have really pulled out all the stops to make, bake, and show off their skills," said Mr Young.

"There really is something for everyone."

Pro golf lessons, family days out, a print donated by wildlife artist Robert Fuller, and handmade arts and crafts will all be sold off by auctioneer James Stephenson, who has promised to donate his time for the cause.

There is even a 10ft-long pew up for sale for anyone wanting to take a piece of chapel history home with them.

Mr Young said: "There really are some quite nifty things on sale - I've been surprised by a lot of them."

The church is getting close to its target of £310,000 for the mammoth restoration job.

With £293,000 in the pot already, church members are hoping a final push will see the cash pour in.

"We are probably looking at the latter part of the year to see the church open again," said Mr Young.

Planning permission was granted last month for work to progress at the rear of the church, creating a more welcoming entrance way and opening up the church to the wider community. Mr Young said church members were now anxious to crack on with the work.

Earlier this year York students completed their restoration project to painstakingly renovate the fire-damaged pews and other fittings.

Treasurer Helen Smith has been working steadily on a sponsored slim in preparation for a daring wing walk at Elvington Airfield on August Bank Holiday weekend.

The auction takes place at Saville Street Methodist Church on Saturday, June 14, at 11am. Viewing will be next Friday, from 10am to 4pm and on the morning of the auction from 9am.

Updated: 10:02 Friday, June 06, 2003