KYLIE Minogue, actor Sean Bean, and York's own Dame Judi Dench have all donated items to a charity auction taking place in the city tonight.

The event at the Pitcher And Piano, in Coney Street, aims to help buy an incubator for the Special Care Baby Unit at York Hospital.

The auction is one of two events organised by Yorkat, a community action team based at the Royal Mail in York.

Viewing for the auction was beginning at 5.30pm, with bidding due to start at 7pm.

There were 120 items donated by celebrities from music, film, TV and sport on offer including shorts from new England Rugby Union captain Jonny Wilkinson. Details of lots can be found at www.members.lycos.co.uk/yorkat or call into the Pitcher And Piano.

The second event will see Battle Of The Bands entrants Ducksick and Flint performing at a gig at the Crescent Working Men's Club on Saturday, April 12. Yorkat has raised more than £11,000 for local and national charities and good causes since it was founded in 2000.

Updated: 10:53 Thursday, March 27, 2003