A promise auction is being held in aid of the Town Hall with a huge range of items up for grabs, from a tour of the Three Tuns Brewery to a short break in London at Cumberland Mansions, home of Inspector Poirot.

But time is running out for people to get involved – all bids have to be in by 12 noon on December 9.

There is an impressive array of items with something for everyone, including meals out at various local cafes and restaurants, paintings by local artists, jewellery, photo shoots, short breaks at local campsites, and the creation of your own website.

And for those with a more practical side, there’s a trailer-full of manure and five kilograms of swedes up for grabs.

Sam Hine, Bishopr’s Castle Town Hall Project Manager, said: “We are asking people to place bids for any items they are interested in, either in person at Eighteen Market Square or by email to townhall@bishopscastle.co.uk – it’s a great chance to get some fantastic offers for yourself or Christmas presents for others whilst supporting the Town Hall too.

“We are really grateful to the many people and businesses who have generously donated promises to the auction. The renovation scheme is well underway but with £15,000 left to raise we are still fundraising. We are hoping for bids from people across Shropshire and beyond.”

Members of the Town Hall project team will be at the Bishop’s Castle Christmas Lights Switch On on 7 December when people will also be able to make bids and find out more about the renovation project.

The town hall is being renovated and brought back to life, thanks to the hard work of fundraisers and a number of grant awards, including £676,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Building work is nearing completion, with the newly-refurbished hall expected to open in late February next year, when it will be used as a community resource hosting markets, events, exhibitions, visitor information and weddings.

For more information about the project, contact Sam Hine 07974 772840 or visit the Facebook site at www.facebook.com/bishopscastletownhall.